He was sitting on some newspapers.
In a shop doorway.
His crumpled sign read ‘Please Help’.
Tired eyes looked up as I stopped.
I gave him all my change.
Knowing it could so easily have been me.
He was sitting on some newspapers.
In a shop doorway.
His crumpled sign read ‘Please Help’.
Tired eyes looked up as I stopped.
I gave him all my change.
Knowing it could so easily have been me.
beetleypete 
Sad, but true, Pete! For the future we will need some changes, for saving our future. Michael
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So many homeless people in London, Michael. You get so that you no longer notice them.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Bad situation. Is this told by “New Economy”? ;-(
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I share that though Pete, its an easy enough trap to fall into.
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I knew of an experienced paramedic who ended up losing his job, and living in a small tent on the streets. His former colleagues were amazed how he had come to that, and it made a lot of people sit up and think.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I spent three days sleeping rough in Leeds many years ago. I cant remember how it happened or indeed how I got myself out of the situation, but I knew I would never end up there again.
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Every homeless person has a story and there are so many reasons people become homeless! It could truly happen to any one of us. Much of my working life was with the homeless working with the most vulnerable members of society. I include those who abuse substances, once it has a grip it doesn’t easily let go and it takes inner strength to recover.
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Thanks, Angela. You did good work, and I agree it can happen to anyone.
Best wishes, Pete.
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i’ve seen too many, Pete. they break my heart.
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When I lived in London, I walked past dozens of them, every day. But every now and again, I felt a connection, and the need to give them some money.
Best wishes, Pete.
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There is a woman my age who frequents the church(non pandemic) who I very much connect with and often help out.
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It is interesting to me how I used to walk past so many, yet felt compelled to stop in front of some.
Best wishes, Pete.
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We have several who I never engage with. I don’t know why some draw my concern and not others.
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The homeless are among us because of serious structural flaws in our culture and society. Unfortunately, we choose not to solve the problems that make people homeless. For starters give them a basic income that is not reduced if they earn more. As I recall, you bought the book that spells out how to democratize money which would provide them with that basic income. Warmest regards, Theo
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I did indeed buy that book.
Best wishes, Pete.
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He was sitting on a pot of gold.
At the end of the rainbow.
His crumpled sign read “All mine!”
Greedy eyes looked up as I stopped.
I gave him all my change.
Now he’s even richer than before!
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I should have realised he was a leprechaun!
Too late now. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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One decision, one crossroad, one pause can make all the difference
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Exactly that, Maggie. I always thanked my lucky stars not to be that man sitting on newspapers.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Compassion.
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Not for all of them perhaps, but I could see myself in some, and realised how easily I could have ended up there.
Best wishes, Pete.
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“There but for the grace of God go I.”
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Certain homeless people have a look on their faces that I can really idenitfy with, Kim.
Best wishes, Pete.
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🥺
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Indeed Pete…we have a terrible homeless problem here – getting worse every year. Many are young, presumably more interested in drug and drink than any responsible life…those I have less sympathy for…however, for homeless families, and older people, the options are so unpleasant…my wife features companies and organizations on her show that try to help families in need by giving them supplies, rent, even apartments, etc. When you think that the few dollars you have in your pocket means another day of food for someone, it’s shameful that we can’t figure out a way to solve it…
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There is such a difference between those younger, ‘professional’ beggars, and a man like that one. You could tell he didn’t want to be there, instead of choosing that as a way of life as so many do.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Exactly Pete….young people have far more ability to raise themselves up…at a certain age those opportunities cease to exist…a sad situation either way
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I know how it feels like to look at someone and help simply because we could have been there too…
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Certain people really made me feel that, Shaily. They were very different to the ‘professional beggar’ types in London.
Best wishes, Pete.
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I know the difference, Pete. When you see someone who is reluctant to ask but has no other way…seen that too many times.
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These short thoughts could almost be poems
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Some readers have called them poetry, Sarada. But for me they are just memories, written down briefly. 🙂
Best wishes, Pete.
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It could so easily be any of us.
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Yes indeed. When I was in the ambulance service, I soon learned that many homeless people had very similar backgrounds to my own. Very much a ‘there but for a lucky break’ situation.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Very true.
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I try to help as well….chuq
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There are so many people begging on the streets in London, but something aboout that particular man hit a nerve with me that night.
Best wishes, Pete.
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Here as well….I donate to a vet and his dog when I see them….chuq
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