Rebuttal to Chief Burbank - a poem of counter point and protest.

Chief Chris Burbank of the Salt Lake City, Utah Police Force made some comments about how it would be better to donate to a certain charity than give it to the panhandlers. This is my reply, based on the fact that the agencies that charity funds cannot supply all the needs, and laundry is one. Even the shelter here charges the "clients" (victims would be a better term) for laundry. Not to mention, we do deserve some comforts, especially we who left that system to seek safer places not ruled by the drug-users, dealers and criminals.

He said: "Don't give to them".
Citing many concerns, some even good.
But never admitting we have needs
those charities never try to address.

So when you see those guys
flying their cardboard signs on corners
remember that old prophetic saying well:
"There but for Grace of God...".

Think it over well, my friends.
See a family member's face there,
then make up your own mind
whether to pass by or stop.

What that homeless person will do
with what you choose to give
is between them and their Lord,
no some well-paid public official.

What do those with safe places
to sleep, eat and clean up
know of what we go through?
Lacking all or some those things?

So, we continue flying our "kites",
for the few small personal comforts
some for coffee, smokes or laundry
other the less savory, illegal pleasures.

Call us what you please, folks.
Homeless, bums, hobos, just not scum.
For not all have drug habits
or are violent criminals seeking prey.

Look beyond our dirt stained faces
to see who we really are
People, some walking astray, other trying
to reach a specific stable goal.

There's the guy starting a business
as a felony closes many doors
and prison caught disease stops him
for asking "Want fries with that?"

Other corner holds cancer ridden fella
Unable to get a job now
despite the laws forbidding such discrimination
carrying a pack of medical bills.

That one there, he's still trying
but after two years without work
none even interview him, breaking spirit
so he turned to writing stories.

The last corner, flying Vet sign
some actually so designated, others not
Who can tell? Only the VA.
And they move at snail's pace.

In the end, I stand up
against Chief Burbank and many others
exercising my Constitutional Rights against them
saying: "Do Your own job right!"

Cause that man ain't doing his.
Or the drugs and crime rates
Down by that place many stay
would not be so damned high!

Nor has he known that despair
so many carry inside worn bodies
carrying all they own on backs
day after day, no end visible.

Ask your conscience, or your Lord
then do as you bloody please.
Drive on by like a Pharisee
or stop and help as Samaritan.

I admit, I have to fly
to get things once in while.
I ain't happy about being here
but until I get something going...
...I'll have to keep doing this!

16June2013 - Dyfedd Rex - standing up for himself and others.