All Those Puzzling Pieces
Viewing comments for Chapter 26 "Not enough?"What makes a life? How do the pieces fit?
101 total reviews
Comment from 9999pool
Sometimes we have to agree with the fanStory contest committee that they do know when they read a good poem.
This poem has merit and the metaphor highlighted does make us ashamed of ourselves for being the bystander.
When was the last time we were noble enough to do something meaningful, I mean real meaningful, for others.
We chanted equality, fairness and kindness - how many of us really did what our hearts told us.
I could write more but I just couldn't because this poem nail home a point about who we could have been - to make a difference.
Fantastic excellent write. I applaud you for bringing to light a self awareness of who we really are at times.
Having said that, of course, the good caring souls exist too. Just wish the world had more of them.
Heartfelt and compassionate story about us.
Cheers, Ritchie.
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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Sometimes we have to agree with the fanStory contest committee that they do know when they read a good poem.
This poem has merit and the metaphor highlighted does make us ashamed of ourselves for being the bystander.
When was the last time we were noble enough to do something meaningful, I mean real meaningful, for others.
We chanted equality, fairness and kindness - how many of us really did what our hearts told us.
I could write more but I just couldn't because this poem nail home a point about who we could have been - to make a difference.
Fantastic excellent write. I applaud you for bringing to light a self awareness of who we really are at times.
Having said that, of course, the good caring souls exist too. Just wish the world had more of them.
Heartfelt and compassionate story about us.
Cheers, Ritchie.
Comment Written 05-Feb-2013
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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Bless you, Ritchie, for reading, understanding, AND, of course, for that lovely SIXER! :)sHARYN
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You are most welcome. Everyone knows you can write so winning is just a breeze (unless they are new here), LOL. Keep churning the good fun-serious write.
Cheers, Ritchie.
Comment from Bina1
I understand the anger/confusion. I feel "silly or used" if I stop and give them any $. Our city just had a big flurry of publicity saying those that help w/random assistance only encourage their poor selection of behavior. They say it must be left to the government sanctioned programs to help them and for them to contact for help. They say the smaller organizations/churches and such, that go around to their camps only feed the problem. It is a puzzle for the ordinary person to figure out what is the correct thing to do.
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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I understand the anger/confusion. I feel "silly or used" if I stop and give them any $. Our city just had a big flurry of publicity saying those that help w/random assistance only encourage their poor selection of behavior. They say it must be left to the government sanctioned programs to help them and for them to contact for help. They say the smaller organizations/churches and such, that go around to their camps only feed the problem. It is a puzzle for the ordinary person to figure out what is the correct thing to do.
Comment Written 05-Feb-2013
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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agreed, 100% Bina ... by the time any of us get to them, most have given up hope anyway and have become pretty dysfunctional. :)S
Comment from Aussie
Congratulations on your contest win. It is embarrassing to see these people and think 'but for the grace of god, there go I.'Many are ignored, some give handouts. Always a story behind their fall. In these times no one should be begging for food. Good heavens, our countries are not third world and what happened to the word 'compassion'? Dark and well written to fit the contest mate.
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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Congratulations on your contest win. It is embarrassing to see these people and think 'but for the grace of god, there go I.'Many are ignored, some give handouts. Always a story behind their fall. In these times no one should be begging for food. Good heavens, our countries are not third world and what happened to the word 'compassion'? Dark and well written to fit the contest mate.
Comment Written 05-Feb-2013
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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Bless you, Aussie! I share your sentiments exactly!
:)Sharyn
Comment from OLA THOMAS
My teacher, just seeing this work now. I almost post a work few hours ago on the same subject, and almost same content. I'm happy working in the spirit of my teacher because I have seeing some of our posts coming close in muse. Thank you, teacher. Wonderful thought in this one, well rendered.
ola thomas
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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My teacher, just seeing this work now. I almost post a work few hours ago on the same subject, and almost same content. I'm happy working in the spirit of my teacher because I have seeing some of our posts coming close in muse. Thank you, teacher. Wonderful thought in this one, well rendered.
ola thomas
Comment Written 05-Feb-2013
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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aaah, see how the world is aligned ... I look forward to reading yours, Ola! :)S
Comment from Justin Mawle
It is nice to see some realism here in your poem. I'm glad you won the contest with the finger pointing at yourself.... That is very good! Your poem will make people think about stuff a little more than they normally do.
Many people will press disconnect on their phone or in their mind when seeing a homeless person.
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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It is nice to see some realism here in your poem. I'm glad you won the contest with the finger pointing at yourself.... That is very good! Your poem will make people think about stuff a little more than they normally do.
Many people will press disconnect on their phone or in their mind when seeing a homeless person.
Comment Written 05-Feb-2013
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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Exactly - thx so much Justin! :)Sharyn
Comment from kiwisteveh
Congratulations on your win - well-deserved with this typically stylish piece.
I liked the way you took the theme phrase and stood it on its head by the end of the poem.
Great contrast between the haves and have nots of the world.
Steve
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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Congratulations on your win - well-deserved with this typically stylish piece.
I liked the way you took the theme phrase and stood it on its head by the end of the poem.
Great contrast between the haves and have nots of the world.
Steve
Comment Written 05-Feb-2013
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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Thx so much Steve! :)Sharyn
Comment from oNray
This is well written and very - to the point- harsh in description but it is a reality- the sad thing is few get help and we can't help all of them
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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This is well written and very - to the point- harsh in description but it is a reality- the sad thing is few get help and we can't help all of them
Comment Written 05-Feb-2013
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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exactly oNray - you have my point! :)Sharyn
Comment from specialkk
Goose bumps:) I worked for about a year or so with a local food bank before I left for college. It's so sad to see what some people have to go through. In Florida we have that whole issue with immigrants ... my view is people should be fed no matter what country they "belong" in. Thanks for sharing! Reminded me a bit of just how much I have. -KK:)
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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Goose bumps:) I worked for about a year or so with a local food bank before I left for college. It's so sad to see what some people have to go through. In Florida we have that whole issue with immigrants ... my view is people should be fed no matter what country they "belong" in. Thanks for sharing! Reminded me a bit of just how much I have. -KK:)
Comment Written 04-Feb-2013
reply by the author on 05-Feb-2013
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bless you, KK - I have that same philosophy. Here we are in big fat America, and we can't take care of people who are starving? what's wrong with this picture? A special appreciative THANK YOU for that lovely SIX! :)sharyn
Comment from Kelleigh
I think that we have all experienced something similar to this...I drive by one or two men like this each night on my way to work...we have to let the numbness take over, otherwise our heads and hearts would have to process what we have seen and we wouldn't be able to function do to the tragedy of the situation...
Help those you can when you can...no more can be asked of us :)
~Kelleigh
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2013
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I think that we have all experienced something similar to this...I drive by one or two men like this each night on my way to work...we have to let the numbness take over, otherwise our heads and hearts would have to process what we have seen and we wouldn't be able to function do to the tragedy of the situation...
Help those you can when you can...no more can be asked of us :)
~Kelleigh
Comment Written 04-Feb-2013
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2013
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wow! welcome back, Kelleigh - haven't heard from you for ages! :)Sharyn
Comment from snemes
The mentally ill and the handicapped usually don't have much money to contribute to political campaigns. See, I have become cynical, which is why I stopped watching the news some time ago. Only the government, if they were so inclined, could adequately take care of this problem.
As for personal responsibility, we can only give so much, and I wonder how much difference it makes. Sometimes I give, sometimes I don't. It really depends on the day. I admire your honesty in this poem. I think it helped you connect with the reader in a powerful way. We all get lost in our problems until we see someone with a worse problem.
Congratulations on your win. This poem was eye-opening for me. I forget that Hawaii is a real state where people live, instead of some perfect, fantasy vacation destination.
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2013
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The mentally ill and the handicapped usually don't have much money to contribute to political campaigns. See, I have become cynical, which is why I stopped watching the news some time ago. Only the government, if they were so inclined, could adequately take care of this problem.
As for personal responsibility, we can only give so much, and I wonder how much difference it makes. Sometimes I give, sometimes I don't. It really depends on the day. I admire your honesty in this poem. I think it helped you connect with the reader in a powerful way. We all get lost in our problems until we see someone with a worse problem.
Congratulations on your win. This poem was eye-opening for me. I forget that Hawaii is a real state where people live, instead of some perfect, fantasy vacation destination.
Comment Written 04-Feb-2013
reply by the author on 04-Feb-2013
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definitely worse over the last few years Sue ... more obvious - but at least our homeless don't freeze! :)Sharyn
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Hi Sharyn! Yes, at least that's one less thing they have to worry about. It was 16 degrees here last night. Can't imagine how anyone could survive sleeping outside in that.--Sue