Poetry

---

LIFE IN THE SHADOWS


My eyes
Trained to spot their presence
Underneath bridges
In every city
Wherever God leads me
I find them
Homeless brothers and sisters
Living in the shadows
Their only shelter
Makeshift highway asylum
In the bowels of progress
Unique tales of heartache and defiance
Individual human nature
Longing for an audience
Simple survival needs
Shelter
Food
Clothing
My face burns with shame
As I reflect on my selfish desires
I observe the glaring disgust
From naïve motorist as they pass haughty judgment
If they only knew
How close they really are to misfortune
I find His Holy Spirit consistently through abasement
As I enter this dire community
Those who have nothing
Bless me so richly
No pity do they seek
Only compassion
Selfless love
As Christ has taught us


“If there be among you a poor man of one of thy brethren within any of thy gates in thy land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not harden thine heart, nor shut thine hand from thy poor brother”

Deuteronomy 15: 7



© Bill Grimes Jr. 2005

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE