I have a small article coming out in ‘Underground’ newspaper. It’s Ann Arbor’s news relating to the homeless and the local issues that revolve around the homeless. I had asked if there was anything I could write and contribute to this paper. I was offered the opportunity to take a walk on the streets of A2 and interview local people about panhandling as it seems to be a topic of conflict for the downtown merchants and patrons that enjoy being.. well… downtown. I had 5 days to do this and having no experience in the doing of it, it didn’t exactly unfold in the way I had hoped. And… I learned somethings in those 5 days. The paper comes out soon, I’ll keep you informed.
Who wants to look at those lonely eyes
those toxic eyes, those eyes in need
those eyes that look right though you
those hungry eyes, those crazy eyes?
those eyes that lost their dignity
those eyes that could be you
your child, your brother,
your sister, your friend.
Begging in a heap on the corner
smelling like piss and booze
smelling like empty days and
unsafe nights abandoned in
their crazy or bad decisions
a dirty hand held out in your
passing by
You?
Who wants to feel the push at the heart
Who wants to feel the anger at the why
Who wants to touch the stigma
Who wants to judge, make up a story
turn away, ignore, cross the street
Who wants it to just go away?
Vast is this dis-ease that lays rest
in your hometown, down the street
under a bridge, in an alley, in the park
on your corner, in a car, over there
Can you look these neighbors in the eye
your neighbors in trouble, your neighbors
in need, want, hunger, illness, aimless
drunk, mentally ill, filthy, stinky
neighbors… your neighbors in life
over there, right next door, a mile away
in your town on the corner with a hand
reaching out.
For God’s sake, Your sake, their sake.
Can you help with the healing?
How will you give?
Jeanne Adwani ~ geezer girl 