Homeless Jesus
What would He think?35 total reviews
Comment from DALLAS01
Your first stanza reminds me of a scene I once saw in a movie and I think it may have been The Exorcist, where it opens with a priest waking through the squalor of a third world country, maybe India, and the priest was (disgusted) by the poorest of the poor. I have never been able to get that idea out of my head. That a man of God found unfortunates (disgusting.)
You have used one of my favorite verses (there but for fortune go you and I)
You bring to the front, a disturbing view point held by some.
I was so taken by the content that I had to go back and re-
read to appreciate the rhyme and poetic devices.
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2014
  |
Your first stanza reminds me of a scene I once saw in a movie and I think it may have been The Exorcist, where it opens with a priest waking through the squalor of a third world country, maybe India, and the priest was (disgusted) by the poorest of the poor. I have never been able to get that idea out of my head. That a man of God found unfortunates (disgusting.)
You have used one of my favorite verses (there but for fortune go you and I)
You bring to the front, a disturbing view point held by some.
I was so taken by the content that I had to go back and re-
read to appreciate the rhyme and poetic devices.
Comment Written 02-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2014
-
Thank you very much for such a thoughtful review, DALLAS. You are right, the scene you mentioned is from William Peter Blatty's "The Exorcist". I've watched that movie probably a hundred times, or more...no foolin'. The old priest is Father Merrin, played wonderfully by actor Max Von Sydow.
This strayed quite far from my usual horrific offerings, but it was something that had been on my mind for quite some time. Another writer on this site, 4hisglory, inspired me to write it.
Comment from 4hisglory
I'm so glad I inspired you to write this poem. It is very good. Will get a lot of people thinking, I'm sure.
I was an intern in an inner city church in Seattle for a few years. Most of the members had been homeless at one time and we helped them get on their feet. It was such a wonderful time in my life helping others. In fact my husband was homeless for a year before I met him, living on the streets and eating out of the garbage. Now he is a business man and great man of God.
One suggestion on the 3rd line of the 3rd verse - Someone else's cross to bear (leave of that's). Just thought it might flow better.
Blessings, LaVonne
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2014
|
I'm so glad I inspired you to write this poem. It is very good. Will get a lot of people thinking, I'm sure.
I was an intern in an inner city church in Seattle for a few years. Most of the members had been homeless at one time and we helped them get on their feet. It was such a wonderful time in my life helping others. In fact my husband was homeless for a year before I met him, living on the streets and eating out of the garbage. Now he is a business man and great man of God.
One suggestion on the 3rd line of the 3rd verse - Someone else's cross to bear (leave of that's). Just thought it might flow better.
Blessings, LaVonne
Comment Written 02-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2014
-
Thank you, LaVonne, for the inspiration, the suggestion, and the lovely detailed review. I appreciate it, very much and am humbled you gave it a go.
Comment from Deniz22
poignant piece for sure...well done. Here's a link I think you will appreciate:
http://www.viralnova.com/compassionate-homeless-person/
You may have to copy and paste into you browser but it will be worth it.
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2014
 |
poignant piece for sure...well done. Here's a link I think you will appreciate:
http://www.viralnova.com/compassionate-homeless-person/
You may have to copy and paste into you browser but it will be worth it.
Comment Written 02-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 02-Mar-2014
-
Thank so much, Deniz22. I really appreciate your outstanding review and the heads-up on that link. I will check it out right now.
Thanks again, my friend.
-
:)
-
Wow! People like 99 year-old Grandpa Dobri make me believe there is still hope for the human race after all. What a touching story, and a wonderful man!
-
Yes indeed, told you it would be worth it! Glad you followed up...God bless you, Dennis
Comment from lancellot
It is an interesting to a problem that had existed for many generations all across the world. When we see a homeless person and say, he probably brought it on himself, or he's lazy. We are judging (some say that is wrong), but if we see the same man and say, he has probably fallen on hard times, or he is ill and needs help. Are we not judging also?
We must be because we do not know this person or live in their minds.
If so, are we not equally wrong in the second as we are in the first?
Jesus had the gift of God-like wisdom. Men fumble along and never know what the right answers are.
Thoughtful work, Dean
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014
|
It is an interesting to a problem that had existed for many generations all across the world. When we see a homeless person and say, he probably brought it on himself, or he's lazy. We are judging (some say that is wrong), but if we see the same man and say, he has probably fallen on hard times, or he is ill and needs help. Are we not judging also?
We must be because we do not know this person or live in their minds.
If so, are we not equally wrong in the second as we are in the first?
Jesus had the gift of God-like wisdom. Men fumble along and never know what the right answers are.
Thoughtful work, Dean
Comment Written 02-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014
-
I agree, lancellot. True, we shouldn't worry about forming an opinion of the individual or his or her circumstances if we truly care. The only question we should ask ourselves is, I wonder how I can help.
Thanks for the great review, my friend!
Comment from nancyjam
This is such a powerful poem - the message is
clear - there are many who ignore the homeless =
some out of fear to get involved or to avoid the
unpleasant - That statue is such a beautiful "silent sermon"
What a great idea. I hope it impacts many.
Your poem has great rhyme and meter and a beautiful message.Thanks for sharing it and the information about the statue.
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014
|
This is such a powerful poem - the message is
clear - there are many who ignore the homeless =
some out of fear to get involved or to avoid the
unpleasant - That statue is such a beautiful "silent sermon"
What a great idea. I hope it impacts many.
Your poem has great rhyme and meter and a beautiful message.Thanks for sharing it and the information about the statue.
Comment Written 02-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014
-
I hope so too, nancyjam. Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts with me on this one. I really appreciate it.
Comment from ElPoetry001
Excellent.
People pay yard workers to cut grass and haul trash. Why? Because they want the neighborhood to look clean and orderly. They do not do the work themselves.
Why not donate to a shelter for homeless people, and then someone will come to the neighborhood, assist the homeless person into a vehicle and drive them to a warm, friendly, place to survive?
Problem solved, just like the lawn and trash; and even a subjective self salute can be mustered for actually giving a dam and doing something about it.
When the light in the room becomes brighter, they will get it: ". . .Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger, invite you in, or needing clothes, and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me' ..."
Amen.
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014
|
Excellent.
People pay yard workers to cut grass and haul trash. Why? Because they want the neighborhood to look clean and orderly. They do not do the work themselves.
Why not donate to a shelter for homeless people, and then someone will come to the neighborhood, assist the homeless person into a vehicle and drive them to a warm, friendly, place to survive?
Problem solved, just like the lawn and trash; and even a subjective self salute can be mustered for actually giving a dam and doing something about it.
When the light in the room becomes brighter, they will get it: ". . .Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger, invite you in, or needing clothes, and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?' The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me' ..."
Amen.
Comment Written 02-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014
-
I agree wholeheartedly, my friend, with absolutely everything that you said.
Thanks for such a thoughtful review.
Comment from ennahanid
For many years I have lived in and around Palm Springs area, now maybe half an hour away. Enormous homes here where I live so many of them have gone up and sort of swallowed those of us who live in the much smaller and much older homes of modest means. There is also an abundance of the homeless in this and surrounding areas because the weather is conducive to their living experience. It makes me cry, especially when out walking and looking at these enormous homes many of them sitting empty because only part-time residents, some maybe but a month or two out of the year when so many are without any comfort at all.
This is a great write, actually like most of what you write is way above top drawer and I have never hated anybody but I do believe I could totally dislike Jerry Dawson.
I think the sculpture is magnificent
We have one advertisment on the side of a bus stop and if you are a believer or not you have to love it...
A Message From God - If you must swear please use your own name.
Sorry for the ramble homelessness touches me more than I care to say - Dinah
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014
|
For many years I have lived in and around Palm Springs area, now maybe half an hour away. Enormous homes here where I live so many of them have gone up and sort of swallowed those of us who live in the much smaller and much older homes of modest means. There is also an abundance of the homeless in this and surrounding areas because the weather is conducive to their living experience. It makes me cry, especially when out walking and looking at these enormous homes many of them sitting empty because only part-time residents, some maybe but a month or two out of the year when so many are without any comfort at all.
This is a great write, actually like most of what you write is way above top drawer and I have never hated anybody but I do believe I could totally dislike Jerry Dawson.
I think the sculpture is magnificent
We have one advertisment on the side of a bus stop and if you are a believer or not you have to love it...
A Message From God - If you must swear please use your own name.
Sorry for the ramble homelessness touches me more than I care to say - Dinah
Comment Written 02-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014
-
Hah, thanks for the touching thoughts, Dinah. Also for sharing that saying with me from the bus stop. I have to let my pastor know about that one, LOL!
Comment from STEPHEN A CARTER
The piece emphasizes the disparity between religion and reality. The sculpture by me fellow Canadian is in a sense a statement meant to shake up society by exposing its hypocrisy. Good thing it was not Mohammad on the bench or the sculpturer would be in fear of his life. Well done and presented as a poignant satirical commentary.
Regards:
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014
|
The piece emphasizes the disparity between religion and reality. The sculpture by me fellow Canadian is in a sense a statement meant to shake up society by exposing its hypocrisy. Good thing it was not Mohammad on the bench or the sculpturer would be in fear of his life. Well done and presented as a poignant satirical commentary.
Regards:
Comment Written 02-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014
-
Thank you very much for your kind and thoughtful comments, Stephen. I appreciate it!
-
Dear Dean: I award true talent whenecver I can/ Congrats. Just posted a new carret called 'Bay 3' inspired by the movie 'Gravity'. There's a carret contest I sponsored on now, Check it out. Thanks..
With Affection: Steve C
-
Bay 3...got it, Stephen, and I'll be sure to check it out. I want to see that movie. It got something like 7 awards from the Academy last night.
Comment from mumsyone
I don't find the sculpture ugly in the way Jerry sees it. In fact, if it were in my hometown, I'd have to sit down on a nearby bench and study it, with tears in my eyes, knowing that if Jesus came to this earth today (other than for His Second Coming), this is exactly the way he would be treated by the majority, since he had nothing to call His own, and only the robes and sandals He was wearing.
The photo and your poem bring out the plight of the homeless in a brand new way. It's too bad more people can't see it.
Good job, Dean.
Lois
walking past past (fast?)
twas ('twas)
misfortune takes each hearts (heart)
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014
|
I don't find the sculpture ugly in the way Jerry sees it. In fact, if it were in my hometown, I'd have to sit down on a nearby bench and study it, with tears in my eyes, knowing that if Jesus came to this earth today (other than for His Second Coming), this is exactly the way he would be treated by the majority, since he had nothing to call His own, and only the robes and sandals He was wearing.
The photo and your poem bring out the plight of the homeless in a brand new way. It's too bad more people can't see it.
Good job, Dean.
Lois
walking past past (fast?)
twas ('twas)
misfortune takes each hearts (heart)
Comment Written 02-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014
-
Thank you for the thoughtful review, Lois. I thought the sculpture was beautiful. My little town would love such a piece to sit down and rest on. Or ponder things, pray, or just to simply sit and think. I know that I sure would.
Comment from bhogg
Hi Dean - a fine post, well written and beautifully presented. I'm glad you accompanied with your author notes telling about the bronze. Taken together, both post and notes are works of art! Bill
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014
|
Hi Dean - a fine post, well written and beautifully presented. I'm glad you accompanied with your author notes telling about the bronze. Taken together, both post and notes are works of art! Bill
Comment Written 02-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 03-Mar-2014
-
Thanks so much for the wonderful review, Bill. I truly appreciate it, my friend.
