UNDER THE HARSH
Sleeping on a park bench
Living in a Chevy beater
Winter covers each with
an unwanted blanket of snow
Downtown, shoppers
pay them no mind; while
searching for deep discounts,
they discount these folks
Tonight, under starlight that
sets the frost a-twinkle with
thousands of crystals, remember
Jesus is sleeping under cardboard
not too far from here…
© 2013 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
Michael Crawford sings this song with heart, with understanding. May we all remember the homeless during this HOHOHO season of frenzied gift giving, as we fatten our credit card balances buying crap made by child slave labor in China.
For ABC Wednesday, the letter U. Pick one: Underfed, Underemployed, Under stress, Under cardboard boxes. Also “in the margins” at Imaginary Garden With Real Toads and Poets United. Peace, Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
http://vivinfrance.wordpress.com
A timely reminder. Thanks Amy.
Sherry Blue Sky
As always, you cut to the chase, Amy. To perfection.
People Empowerment Project
Reblogged this on Africa's Orphans and commented:
At times I wonder what wealth is all about. Those who seem to have it share none of it, which effectively means they have none. No matter how they define it themselves. It is through the worth of others that we find our wealth, in my estimation.
Sharp Little Pencil
Thanks, PEP, for an astute comment and for re-blogging.
To me, wealth isn’t about money. It’s about values. A
People Empowerment Project
One of my favorite statements: Thank you for the thank you!
The imagery your blogging name creates is fantastic. It isn’t the second adjective that gives it its life. It is the first one. If we could get others to see just how true that is in their own lives, how much wealth we could create. Wealth of energy, wealth of wisdom, wealth of leveraging of networks, etc.
Looking forward to getting better acquainted with you.
Carver
This was fantastic. Well done. Carver, ABC Wed. Team
brian miller
jesus is sleeping under cardboard…yeah, the homeless become a bit more obvious this time of year…what a hard life…i know quite a few of them from the shelters…and they all have a story…
Sharp Little Pencil
For those who are willing to listen, right?
kaykuala
The homeless are made up of varied kinds of people. They put up by themselves. They may get to meet at soup kitchens if they dare venture out.But otherwise they find themselves all in the same predicament. ‘Somebody out there is crying not too far from here’ They’re around but helpless. This state of affairs is the same everywhere more so in countries under siege. One can only lament and it is harsh on the conscience of those who care. Well said Amelita!
Hank
Sharp Little Pencil
Bless you for understanding, Hank. I was homeless once, in my 20s, but that was in California where there was always reasonably warm refuge. I think about the folks out there tonight, especially vets, and I just want to cry. But instead I pound on local legislators… Love, Amelita
Roger Green
Well, you KNOW I agree with THIS!
Sharp Little Pencil
Amen, brother!
readerwil
Jesus is sleeping under cardboard…. Sadly enough it is so true. The homeless people are in need of warmth, attentiom, loving and caring company. They see people hurrying home with their last minute’s shopping, ready to celebrate, Thanksgiving, Christmas, whatever…Your poem is very strong. Thank you to remind us of those who are on the streets.
Sharp Little Pencil
Wil, you are right on target. Thanks for this, Amy
vandana
So very thoughtful. We ought to have responsibility towards the under privileged section of society.
McGuffy Ann
This is an issue that is near to my heart, as well. Heartbreaking.
Marcy
Beautifully said.
lesliebc
It says in the Bible…
Leslie
abcw team
ChrisJ
Love that Michael Crawford clip!…and your poem right on target!
Sharp Little Pencil
Really an amazing singer, and his rendition inspired this poem. Thanks, Chris. Amy
J Cosmo Newbery
A very thoughtful and thought provoking post Amy. Timely.
jae rose
Yes..i think he probably is..if only we would look.. x
leesis
poetry that counts Amy…sister of my heart. Thank-you for continuing to remind me, at a time I really need the hope…that some folk strive to bring compassion into action. xxx
Sharp Little Pencil
Leesa, this comment really touched me. To be thanked for writing a poem, truly thanked, is the highest compliment one poet can receive from another. Peace, Amy
coalblack
Again and again, Jesus is a model of humility and simplicity. He was born in an outbuilding with the animals, he rode a donkey rather than a horse, he owned almost nothing (just sandals to shake the dust from) and he had time for women and children and sinners, which wasn’t the custom. Now televangelists assure us that God wants us to be rich, and the day set aside to celebrate Jesus’ birth has turned into a consumer nuthouse and many of his followers scorn anyone different from themselves. Wow.
Sharp Little Pencil
Shay, there are SO many ways you have summed up this poem. This is the most eloquent comment, so much history you understand, and yes, you know how I feel about televangelists and their “gospel of abundance” that means your 401K, not the abundance of love you have in your heart. The Consumer Nuthouse. I like that one. How hard would Jesus puke at this holiday? Amy