Poetry is the food of the soul. It's my greatest contribution to the world and an area I can always grow.

So many hands

So many poor

In courtyards and markets

Alleyways and entranceways

So many hands

No reason why

How to help?

Any or all?

On corners holding signs

Some praying for a sign

Downtrodden but not dissuaded

By social division and separation

Stereotyping

So many hands

Driven by their emptiness

Their hopelessness

Looking for another chance

Just another chance

To close their hands

Looking for

More than poor

Some work

Some honest work

A second chance

A helping hand

Comments

Gypsy Rose Lee from Daytona Beach, Florida on February 14, 2018:

We must never forget those in need.

Shaloo Walia from India on February 12, 2018:

A very thought provoking poem!

Suzie from Carson City on February 12, 2018:

Ralph....Hello there old friend, it's been a while~~but that's on me. I am here very seldom anymore~ "real life" beckons. I prefer to keep an arm's length from HP nowadays.....(speaking of panhandlers!) LOL.

You do poetry extremely well, Ralph. It must be that romantic streak in you. This piece is just as realistic today as always. The lost, desperate and lonely will always exist, leaving it up to the caring & compassionate to lend a "hand."

More than anything else, I feel it's important to give of our time, efforts & moral support. It's been my experience, people look for a "hand to hold" more often than a hand-out.

Hope all is well in your world, Ralph. Peace, Paula

Doris James MizBejabbers from Beautiful South on February 11, 2018:

Interesting thoughts in your poetry, Ralph. In olden times it was probably easier to give a hand up rather than a hand out than it is today. Opportunities were more plentiful.

manatita44 from london on February 11, 2018:

Tough one requiring tough answers. Life can be painful in so many ways. Some folks mirror us, what we really are; not what we say. They make us uncomfortable. Powerful piece!

I note that your painting seems to be of better times. It's much more real these days. Or perhaps you are sparing us the discomfiture.

threekeys on February 10, 2018:

This is a sad area.

It would be so helpful if we could give a decent hand up (not hand out-although we may also need this) to someone that is trying to make things work and improve their lot in life. I do not know but this could be the Universal Law of Grace in action.

Your poem reads like a breeze.

Peace and Happiness to you, Ralph.

PS. I had a quick look at your poetry website creative exiles. Some beautiful and eloquent pieces.