A homeless man and I crossed paths today
As he looked hopefully into my eyes
I’m ashamed to say, I looked away.
His angry face, his dirty, tattered clothes
they frightened me, although for all I know
I scared him with my new car, fancy clothes.
Jesus said He is the beggar at our door
He lives among the homeless in the street.
All day I fretted at what I hadn’t done
said hello or shared money so he could eat.
I used to roll down my window at the stop light
and hold out dollars to the countless homeless
and it always felt like doing that was right.
I stopped giving freely a few years ago
after I brought food and blankets to a family
holding signs that said, “We are hungry.”
and they turned my offerings away.
“We can only accept cash,” they said.
so I stopped giving without noticing
to the homeless after that rueful day.
Have I become so cynical and
and is it a million dollar business
as I have read? Maybe. I just don’t know.
A poor excuse even even to my ears
that all should pay for one group of cons
and my habit of giving should flip to no
when I had given joyously for so many years.
This man deserved a smile and kind words
and brave soul that I am, I looked away.
Now, I drive the streets seeking his face
and if I see him, I will do right by him today.
-
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Women Who Think Too Much by Jeanne Marie 
I am sorry but maybe I confused you with a reviewer? I am not sure but will investigate closer. I love your brilliance and am in awe of anything you do! Really! Thanks, claudy
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Thanks.
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Ms. Marie,
I went back to read what I had said to you and notice all my errors! Fake LOL! I was thinking while I re-read my comment that I should have asked you to do a Google Search for Homeless Services available in Florida and specifically your area. So maybe check to see if what I am saying is true! I know you’ve heard and read and your own experience but do see if you get the chance… I bet you will be surprised and then the real question is the why? The answers are not a Hollywood heart breaker but more about the individual more rather than the system….
claudy
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I love this! You have such a loving heart! Very giving! I love how you look for his face! 😃
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I never look away so I felt bad.
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As men we all now in our development to not approach a single woman. Why? Because we scare them. All men know this and I have a problem with this guy for that reason. Also all the studies say to give and not to give to the individual on the street but a legitimate organization that knows the in and outs of the homeless situation. Even homeless in our state receive food stamps and there is more programs for the homeless than any other identifiable group. You would be surprised. I direct homeless to services and typically they do not want that help? They want money for their addiction and all the research proves that is the reality. So do help but it is better to give your few dollars to an org that knows how to really help…. Ease up on yourself woman… I love your heart for it is so good…. Thank you, claudy
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Thank you. Things to think about.
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