Unfinished


These streets mistreat
one hundred degrees in the heat
rode past said a prayer
lying on the pavement
was the new wretched
of the earth, so caste down
nothing left but death.

All them with nowhere to be.
Not allowed at bus-stops
or on park bench.
Emergency room huh no care zone
not even Obama care.

No walking on pavement
while impoverished.
no urgent pooping or walking
on grass.  No soliciting tissue
to wipe their derriere – No water
no roof- no soil...
100 degrees on the cement.

Most alone -Few with someone
Lying on bare ground –
Mate stretched out
on her back-
She in an odious state
White woman, with black man
He tenderly rubbing her like a favorite pet.

Let’s not speak of the stench, that foul air that attacks
nostrils and eyes. Not even soap.
Could quell the smell. People cross to the other-side.
dare not bear witness to the offensive odors.

No air, nor breeze gives relief, not one clean breath or inhalation,
Hot pavement and stale air make you heave on these
Streets. Mistreatment of those detested, barely they breathe.
as they reached their safe haven, in front of that building.
A shelter that’s reached capacity, no entrance.

God forbidden streets, continue to mistreat, no loitering.
Passer byes making the sign of the cross, as they cross the street.
Uttering “but for the grace of God there go I”
Seems like Mockery and blaspheme.
Do those outstretched not also deserve God’s grace?

The righteous strut past hurriedly, without concern of
Karma.
Feeling better than the least of them.
Wonder why their being punished.
Mental illness, grandchildren abandoned to the system.
War veterans, Prison release,
Outlived their children.
Bloated Bellies eat…
Fancy scraps from high places –
nowhere to alleviate.
Good deeds written off on restaurant tax forms…
but can’t use their facilities.
Devour and swallow without tasting,
Chewing without teeth.

The righteous strut past hurriedly, without concern of
Karma.