Street Pride
“A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” Mahatma Gandhi
I spent time with one of our local Ventura homeless person yesterday. We’ve gotten to know him a bit over the past few years, walking on the beach daily and stopping to chat or share our lunch. In connecting him for services to one of our leading advocates at DignityMoves.org he shared more of his life’s story with us, of which I’ve captured the essence below. A version of his story, could be told 600,000 times across America. The government cannot solve this on their own. When will we say enough is enough? Anyone want to join us in ending unsheltered homelessness?
Street Pride
Down and out in California,
Living day by day,
Nowhere to run or turn,
Society’s making me pay.
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Bike and cart in tow,
A pile of rags, blankets and parts,
Everything I own,
Worn to the bone.
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A pad and paint,
One simple joy,
Selling my art,
Shades of beauty but faint.
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Stories mine,
A saga to tell,
Kicked to the curb,
Too many times to be fine.
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A Mason’s son,
44th degree,
Taught hard work and skills,
I can still, you’d have to see.
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Trouble in Texas early on,
Can’t out run the Judges choice,
10 years in jail or
Carry a gun.
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Rescuing POWs, Cambodia and Laos,
Undercover and unknown,
Found myself on the lamb,
Finding solace in a Buddhist Ashram.
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Motocross and fishing,
Remembering way back,
Glory days long gone,
A fading glimpse has me wishing.
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Minding my business and clean,
Last nights camp found,
Local law in my face,
Harder and harder to hold my ground.
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Taken no handouts,
Raised tall and loud,
Older now and hurting,
Good healthcare not allowed.
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Hard to be,
In the land of the free,
Self interested and busy,
No one willing to see.
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This great American ride,
Wrong turns aside,
GOD still deep down resides,
Underneath my street pride.