When We Cross Paths

Reads: 1108  | Likes: 0  | Shelves: 1  | Comments: 67

Status: Finished  |  Genre: Poetry  |  House: Booksie Classic

Some people take things for granted not considering the struggle others go through. Next time you cross paths with someone in that situation, what will you do?

When you see me
standing in the cold
with my clothes tattered,
dirty and looking old

Don’t pass me by

When you see me
walking down the street
no where to go
in the summer’s heat

Don’t pass me by

When you see me
with nothing to eat
and struggling to walk
blisters on my feet

Don’t pass me by

When you see me
lay down my head
on my clothes bag
wishing for a bed

Don’t pass me by

When you see me
out there all alone
searching for some help
left on my own

Don’t pass me by

When you see me
Will you stop and say
“I’m here to help?”
Or will you turn away
and pass me by?

 

 
 
 
 


Submitted: February 14, 2013

© Copyright 2023 Lisa Ayers. All rights reserved.

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Comments

kdoll

If everyone helped their neighbor just a little this poem would never have had to be written. Such a sad subject however it does bring up a good question how many of us will just pass them by? Nicely written and sure gives one a lot to think about.

Thu, February 14th, 2013 3:46am

Author
Reply

Thank you so much for reading kdoll, much appreciated

Thu, February 14th, 2013 7:04pm

AntonioWestley

Very heartfelt and down to earth poem. The things people over look and to think it even goes as far as people as well. I also wrote something similar hope to hear from you soon and good work :)

Thu, February 14th, 2013 7:34am

Author
Reply

Hi Antonio, thanks for reading.

Thu, February 14th, 2013 7:05pm

Indie Skreet

Lovely and beautifully expressed sentiment here. One of your very best posts.

Thu, February 14th, 2013 4:47pm

Author
Reply

Thank you so much Indie for your continued support, means alot!
I'm glad it's one of your favs :)

Thu, February 14th, 2013 7:07pm

Poetlife

This poem is so TRUE- SADLY.
Well done, thank you for bringing it to our attention.

I can so RELATE.
As I feel many can.
Has this issue touched your life too?
Blessings,
P.S. The Lord says as you do to others you do to me.
Thanks for your comments on my work.
Till later.

Thu, February 14th, 2013 10:51pm

Author
Reply

Yes, it's touched my life. Thanks for stopping by Poetlife. I appreciate it!

Thu, February 14th, 2013 7:10pm

bobthebuilder

A sensitive and well crafted poem. I liked it.

Fri, February 15th, 2013 4:31am

Author
Reply

Thank you for your kind comment, much appreciated.

Thu, February 14th, 2013 9:44pm

Shahidkhan

Wow!! What a thought provoking poem. I loved it !! You're really kind and loving person. It shows through your poem. :))

Fri, February 15th, 2013 5:19am

Author
Reply

Dear dynamic12, thank you for your kind words. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by.

Thu, February 14th, 2013 9:52pm

Stephen F Campbell

Bravo, bravo, bravo! Truly a great poem. This one gets an A+. Publish this please.

Sat, February 16th, 2013 4:08am

Author
Reply

Thank you for those kind words Stephen! I appreciate you stopping by.

Fri, February 15th, 2013 10:29pm

Criss Sole

I hope this encourages people to be more sympathetic towards each other.
This was a very sweet poem. Very thought-provoking.

Sat, February 16th, 2013 7:12am

Author
Reply

Hi Criss, thanks for your comment and appreciation

Sat, February 16th, 2013 5:56pm

thumblina Aka vandana

the world needs this in todays life....we must care for each other...love the poem...will read more of your work soon...

Sun, February 17th, 2013 6:17pm

Author
Reply

Thank you for stopping by and reading, means a lot.

Sun, February 17th, 2013 12:50pm

Buffershaker

This poem really touched me Lisa,i have seen so much help given as foreign aid to those who who are needy.However do we ever think that people at home might be suffering just as much in terms of hardship given the austerity measures now in place?.Yes The Red Cross celebrates it's 150th anniversdary this week but for me that's something different.I really loved how you explored the avenues of how we might react to someone whom we might turn our back on.Certainly i for one would never refuse to help a neighbour even if they didn't ask for any in the first place.It's our christian duty in my view.

Mon, February 18th, 2013 1:22pm

Author
Reply

Thank you for your review, thoughtfulness, appreciation and stopping by Eileen.

Mon, February 18th, 2013 11:46am

Mindy Rodman

you get the message aboutt showing compassion, good poem

Tue, February 19th, 2013 1:15pm

Author
Reply

Thank you for your appreciation Mindy.

Tue, February 19th, 2013 12:08pm

ValeriyaPonomar

If only kindness was so easily asked for or received in the real world, then I highly doubt that war would be present, people would be happy and kind to their friends and even strangers. I once saw an old man, on my way to the bakery asking for money. He had a old dog with him. When he asked this young man he spat at the dog and just yelled at that man. I don't know why people are so cruel to those who have less than them! Do they not know that life isn't fair and making their lives worse will not help them. This was a beautiful poem, with a lesson many yet have to understand. Gets a like from me!

Thu, February 21st, 2013 4:04am

Author
Reply

So sad you witnessed such a cruel act that is a reflection of others also behave in society. Some people have to make others feel bad in attempt to make themselves feel better or look good.

Thanks you for your kind review Valeriya.

Wed, February 20th, 2013 9:12pm

Naan

beautiful as always!
the cause you're depicting is just wonderful and people should pay more attention to it

Fri, February 22nd, 2013 3:06pm

Author
Reply

Thank you for your kind words.

Fri, February 22nd, 2013 1:09pm

JoelatRpg

I like the message to this poem! Good job, Lisa and thanks for sharing:)

Sat, February 23rd, 2013 5:24pm

Author
Reply

Thank you for your kind comment, much appreciated.

Sat, February 23rd, 2013 10:42am

jmurch

If we only took the time to really see the world around us...I like this piece because it reminds us all to take the time and see. Perhaps, the world would be a better place if we did.

Sun, February 24th, 2013 7:02pm

Author
Reply

Thanks for appreciating and taking time to stop by, much appreciated

Sun, February 24th, 2013 10:16pm

dibbledabble

Everyday we pass people by. Either because of their tattered rags they display or the tattered rags of their minds that we can not see. It is a wise person who sees with more than just there eyes.

This poem is a plea for compassion and many I pray it will move. Well done

Dibs

Sun, March 3rd, 2013 12:19pm

Author
Reply

My thoughts exactly Dibs, if only people would not judge based on what is seen and unseen. We have no idea when passing someone by what struggles they maybe enduring.

My hope is people will not judge but just offer a helping hand

Thanks for your appreciation.

Sun, March 3rd, 2013 12:36pm

RaeBlair

I was reminded of the movie "Pay It Forward" by this! The root message is the same, and such a beautiful one. Loved it, an enjoyable read :)

Thu, March 14th, 2013 2:40am

Author
Reply

Thank you so much!

Wed, March 13th, 2013 8:41pm

Scarlett Rae

This is a bit more somber than the first two I read. I enjoyed the repetition a lot. Despite being very thought-provoking, I'm not sure I like this one quite as much as the others. Something about the flow and rhythm weren't quite as strong. Nice poem though, don't get me wrong.

Sat, April 27th, 2013 2:16pm

Author
Reply

I appreciate your honesty about the flow and rhythm not being as strong. But I'm glad you enjoyed the message.

Thanks so much for your time

Sat, April 27th, 2013 8:37pm

Tommy Jammers

It is always a pleasure being graced with a poem that truly makes you think. Great piece Lisa! :)

Tue, April 30th, 2013 1:18am

Author
Reply

Hi Tommy, thanks for appreciating the message and the compliment. I appreciate it

Mon, April 29th, 2013 11:45pm

Basilia

I really love to read this poem of yours alot..This is truly touchy! I also shared this poem of yours with my friend..I like it :) keep writing!

Tue, June 25th, 2013 3:52pm

Author
Reply

Thank you kindly Basilia!

Thu, June 27th, 2013 8:27am

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