Homeless
church attic burned out
shotgun blast shattered window pane
squatter tags
why would anyone choose to live here?
cracks in the floor
concrete rubble
asbestos dust
bare floors
you could live here
thrown out unwanted
high on fill in the blank
no money no food no family no meds
gay transgender young old straight alone selling
whatever you can to bed down
in this homeless house of god
where is the community
that serves you?
-Roberta Rahmer
The above poem is based upon this photo
from the prompt at RWP. 
Birdsword Poetry 
9 comments
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December 30, 2009 at 7:32 am
Neil Reid
(Too early this time, coincident, but since I am…)
Yes, yes, a shotgun blast, this poem too – quick and broad, almost all in one gulp. I liked the staccato of, “no money no food no family no meds gay transgender young old straight alone selling”. As well the less than usual phrase, “homeless house of god”. A powerful use of words.
I’ve got two as yet in response. Clock is ticking which or somehow to merge. Look forward to what variety awaits. Thanks Roberta.
December 30, 2009 at 4:14 pm
Francis Scudellari
I haven’t finished mine yet, but I’m focused more on the light than the building itself. I very much like the direction you took, an unwanted space transformed into shelter for the unwanted. And I like the challenging question of the final lines.
December 31, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Paul Oakley
Thank you for this compelling accusation of communities, societies that do not serve the homeless and those who live without hope or resources. I particularly appreciate the phrase “homeless house of god.” It strongly calls to mind Matthew 25: 31-46, in which one’s actions toward those in need are equated unequivocally to actions toward God. (It is not necessary, of course, to use that filter to find that value in this poem.) Very nicely done.
December 31, 2009 at 10:31 pm
Tumblewords
Fine phrasing makes this a deeply felt piece. Full of wisdom, wondering and clad in solid reality.
January 1, 2010 at 2:37 am
Linda
I agree with Paul. We so need to get back to our feeling of living in responsible communities and villages that take care of themselves and all of our neighbors. Thank you for sharing this reminder. It is beautifully crafted, Roberta. I hope the coming year brings much love and joy your way. Blessings!
January 1, 2010 at 5:00 pm
Cynthia Short
moving treatise on the plight of the dis-enfranchised.
January 1, 2010 at 8:43 pm
barbara_y
I like your interpretation of the image. No, the roof isn’t enough to make shelter
January 2, 2010 at 10:36 pm
wayne
a church attic for you also……nicely done and thanks for sharing this Roberta
January 4, 2010 at 4:02 pm
birdsword
Thanks everyone. Please forgive me if I do not respond quickly to all of your kind comments. Work, childcare, etc call me far away from my computer-as does sleep!
Happy New Year everyone. May this be a year inspired by generosity of spirit and creativity!
-Roberta