Ignored

I ignored a homeless woman,
hungry, dirty, begging for money.
If not for grace, I could be her?
If not for grace, I could be her,
hungry, dirty, begging for money.
I ignored a homeless woman.



©Susie Clevenger 2013

At Real Toads Grace challenged us to write Palindromes also known as mirror poetry. Sunday Mini Challenge ~ Palindromes

Comments

Grace said…
If not for grace, I could be her- I like the slight change here ~ Still the ending line brings it home, ouch ~

Lovely share Susie ~ Thanks for participating in Sunday's challenge ~ Happy weekend ~
August 10, 2013 at 2:11 PM
Lolamouse said…
This was very thoughtfully done, as the form of the poem reflects you being able to see yourself when you look at another. Very nice.
August 10, 2013 at 2:17 PM
Peggy said…
Good job on a thoughtful palindrome. The repetition ads real strength to the message I think.
August 10, 2013 at 4:08 PM
Susan said…
You've got me! That is exactly how guilt/fear works, forward and back into reflection. And a good plot for a play.
August 10, 2013 at 5:22 PM
Hannah said…
Oh, my gosh. This is amazing, Susie. Goosebumps at the depth of meaning that the flip-side brings...you make me want to try and approach another with this concept in mind. Well done!
August 10, 2013 at 5:42 PM
Gemma Wiseman said…
Guilt has a habit of re-visiting the mind and soul. That return routine is beautifully captured in this poem.
August 10, 2013 at 6:14 PM
Helen said…
Brava! Well done, Susie .. love the coming full circle element.
August 10, 2013 at 7:33 PM
humbird said…
I like meaningful repetition...
August 10, 2013 at 7:45 PM
Sherry Blue Sky said…
Oooh, the message hits home when spoken in this form. Good one, kiddo!
August 10, 2013 at 10:10 PM
grapeling said…
I admire this very much, Susie
August 11, 2013 at 2:01 AM
Anonymous said…
This always breaks my heart when I see a homeless person because a few quarters it isn't a long-term solution that preserves their dignity and increases their independence. I always feel I need to do more like find them a job or help them get training. Something substantial that doesn't just assuage my own guilt but actually benefits them.

The new prompt is up if you are interested =)
August 11, 2013 at 2:49 AM
brudberg said…
Guilt indeed. Streets are filled with them... and plenty of possibilities to feel guilt.
August 11, 2013 at 6:28 AM
Kerry O'Connor said…
Such moments of intense awareness do provide the reverse possibility so clearly: If not for the Grace of God, go I.
August 11, 2013 at 7:34 AM
Fireblossom said…
Nicely done, Susie. My church sponsored a thing for homeless people, and I noticed that most of the volunteers seemed to think they were these nice people doing something help "them", the homeless, as if we weren't all one job, one diagnosis, one bad break away from being on the other side of things.
August 11, 2013 at 8:17 AM
Wolfsrosebud said…
If not for grace... loved that line... and so true
August 11, 2013 at 8:45 AM
Maggie Grace said…
Your words in reverse emphasize the message. Powerful. My greatest fear has always been impoverished, no home or means of support. She could be me too. Wow.
August 11, 2013 at 7:49 PM
Maude Lynn said…
Really well done, Susie.
August 11, 2013 at 8:53 PM
Kay L. Davies said…
I came t-h-i-s close to being that person. Long story, appearing elsewhere in this blog, but it was too close for comfort. There but for the Grace of God go I.
An excellent write, Susie.
K
August 12, 2013 at 12:53 AM
Lisa A. Williams said…
Felt a lot of compassion in those few lines. Very well done!
August 12, 2013 at 3:56 PM
Ella said…
Yes, the reflection backwards pulls at one's heart strings! Profound Susie :D
August 13, 2013 at 5:57 PM
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