Page 14
Poetry
An open letter from the streets this Christmas
y name is Wayne Stump, and I’ve been
they say the same thing. There is Christmas
homeless for a while. I’m sure you don’t
music playing everywhere we go, and people
remember me because you pretend you don’t carrying their shopping bags are laughing out
see me when you walk by. There are some
loud. We used to do the same thing, too, ya
things I think you should know because you
know. Before we were homeless, we were just
believe there is no way you could ever end up
like you. Let me guess - you have some
like me, but the funny thing is I never thought
terrific advice for me, and if I would have
I would be homeless either. I’ve made a lot of
done that in the first place, I would not be
friends out here, and they talk about their life
homeless now, right?
before they were homeless, and you really do
It’s OK, Mister. I understand you just don’t
have a lot in common.
I remember what it was like window
know what to say to me, so go ahead and keep
shopping and tapping my toes to the music
walking with your family over there; most
about Old Saint Nick and riding in a one-horse people act like I’m invisible anyway. I keep
open sleigh. I see how excited your kids are
thinking someday I’ll get used to it, but I know
by all of the lights and piles of toys in every
I am a descent human being, and we aren’t
store; there is no way to keep them close by,
supposed to feel like we don’t even exist.
holding their little hands. Your family looks
Somebody called me a bum this morning just
like one of those Christmas cards people send
because
I told him Merry Christmas! I didn’t
out to everybody. Take plenty of pictures with
ask him for anything, and I was only being
them because I can tell you when they are
nice. He didn’t even want to know my name.
gone, Christmas is very different
Sometimes I catch myself staring at
Gosh, how I miss those days! Maybe
someday I’ll be able to have a normal
someone across the way because they remind
Christmas again. I would love to celebrate the
me so much of how my life was not so long
holidays like it used to be and just forget
ago. Children can’t help but stare back at me
about how my life is right now. Sometimes I
the whole time they are walking by because
just wish there was no such thing as
they just can’t understand why I’m sitting
Christmas, birthdays and special holidays
here like this. I watched a mother lean down
because when you’re homeless, it’s more like
to her child with a pointing finger, and I could
a fairy tale meant for other people. I would
only imagine what she must have been saying:
never let my family see me like this, and I
When you grow up, you can be anything you
can’t make myself call them because they act
want - but don’t you even dare become
so worried on the phone;
homeless!
Some of my friends out here are grandmas
and grandpas and mothers and fathers, and
- By Wayne Stump
M
Street Roots • Dec. 18-24, 2015
Set’s me Free
Brent B. Lusted
Well, now I am homeless
and down dirt poor!
But I’ve been worse off
I’ve died once before!!
For some damned reason,
I was brought back to Life again
and I think that God told me
You need to do what I command!
Oh, and it sets me free
When I can help anyone who is in need. ;
Thank you my Lord when you set me free
‘cause then I won’t be in pain - even when
I bleed.
I’m homeless, but I’m happier
than most rich people will ever be!
Because they are controlled
By an Evil Thing that’s called money!
And if all the super rich
Ended up out here on the Street
I’d do whatever I could for them
I’d get them somethin’ to eat.
Oh, and it sets me free
When I can help anyone who is in need.
Thank you my Lord when you set me free,
‘cause then I won’t be in pain - even when
I bleed.
Gifts, Photos with Santa,
Phone Callsjnd Live Jazz!
CareOregon*
goMobile team
Please Join Us for
CHRISTMAS DINNER
on
CareOregon and our partners make Oregon Health Plan navigation easy!
We offer help with:
• Medicaid medical, dental and mental health appointments
• Medicare eligibility for disabled and elderly adults
Find us at these locations:
Central Library, S W 10th Avenue Ave Holgate Library 7905 SE Holgate
Dec 29...........5:30-7:30 p.m.
Jan 8 ......£....2:30-4:30 p.m.
City Team, 5 26 SE Grand Ave.
Midland Library 805 SE 122nd Ave
Jan 6 ....... ......4-6 p.m.
Dec 30.......... 8-10 a.m.
Jan 13............... 8-10 a.m.
Portland Rescue Mission, 111 W Burnside
Clackamas County Transition Center
1024 Main Street, Oregon City
Dec 29«.... . 1 -3 p.m.
Jan 12.....1 -3 p.m.
Dec 3 1 ..........8-10 a.m.-
Jan 7 .............8-10 a.m.
Jan 14.......j.. 8-10 a.m.
Union Gospel Mission, 3 NW Third Ave.
Gresham Library, 385 NW Miller Ave
Jan 7 ............... 1 -3 p.m.
Dec 22.......... 1 -3 p.m.
Dec 2 9 ...I l l T-3 p.m.
Christmas Day
Noon to 3:00pm
P ortland A rt M useum
1 1 1 9 S W P a rk A v e n u e
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P O T T U C K in the PA R K
Need a Ride? (503) 255-7611
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