Pathetic.org  
 

Firmament

by Elizabeth Jill


You have not tasted heaven

unless you have

licked the salt off the freezing asphalt

in your homelessness


     






12/24/2008

Posted on 12/24/2008
Copyright © 2024 Elizabeth Jill

Member Comments on this Poem
Posted by Laura Doom on 12/24/08 at 05:43 PM

...suggests a prerequisite (unless) as opposed to a predestination (until). Diligently tended and tenderly displayed representation of reality. The sky is not the limit :>

Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 12/24/08 at 06:46 PM

This cuts to the quick, my friend, and I am reminded of the ease of my life, and I am thankful. May we reach out to each other always.

Posted by Charlie Morgan on 12/25/08 at 05:43 PM

...eliza, beth! i swear you are two people...what a write and then the compassionate photo, were it a cat, wolverine, skunk or the precious dog you have captured sharing his love and the man knows he's been trodden by society, yet that blessed animal "sense" allows only the waking moment to be a gift...love it, am hurt by it[the awareness] and i do love your world...

Posted by Quentin S Clingerman on 12/28/08 at 02:30 PM

The photo underscores the message! Reminds me of the words of Christ, "The poor you have with you always." Compassion begins at home! Another sign of deregulation back when the economy was taking a tailspin under Carter.

Posted by Mara Meade on 12/29/08 at 04:58 AM

Strong imagery in word and illustration. Powerful.

Posted by Nanette Bellman on 12/31/08 at 07:08 PM

wow Elizabeth. You've spoken soo much in soo few words. This is so powerful and moving and the picture is a great touch.

Posted by Ken Harnisch on 12/31/08 at 09:02 PM

Just quietly astonishing, Elizabeth

Posted by Gregory O'Neill on 12/31/08 at 09:49 PM

...sorry I'm so late on this...but it is tragic and spot-on at once. We could all be just a step away from where these poor men, women and children are now. Let us not forget them. Thanks.

Posted by Tony Whitaker on 01/03/09 at 04:32 AM

Wow, with such strong visual imagery from the photo and your brilliant words, I feel both blessed, for there but for the Grace of God and tearful, wishing I could do more. Into my favorites with this powerful poem!

Posted by Tony Whitaker on 01/03/09 at 04:40 AM

I have sent the link to this poem to all my friends and family who I know will surely appreciate this message.

Posted by CM Bauer on 01/03/09 at 07:11 AM

God, this is wonderful.

Posted by Stephan Anstey on 01/03/09 at 04:57 PM

Wow.

Posted by Laurie Blum on 01/03/09 at 09:53 PM

So deep and moving...you are a master of the art!

Posted by Julie Adams on 01/04/09 at 06:59 PM

this piece is stirring...and belongs at the top of this week's favorites list...well done!! peace, jewels

Posted by Alex Smyth on 01/05/09 at 01:51 AM

Amen and Amen and yet again. What a heart and mind to identify and express in this way. Straight to the favorites list.

Posted by Sandy M. Humphrey on 01/05/09 at 10:48 PM

My heart leapt with compassion for the picture of the dog and and his friend and I your words were right own and i knew that truly you were a friend to them both somehow. smh.

Posted by D. James McKee on 01/07/09 at 01:06 PM

Truly Elizabeth, you have that scarce ability to see reality: that which remains when all else is ash. Thank-you for your open eyes.

Posted by Meghan Helmich on 01/07/09 at 01:08 PM

i don't live in a town that salts the pavement. it's never freezing in tampa. but i can imagine the heaven you describe. a strange one, indeed.

Posted by Colleen Sperry on 01/07/09 at 01:57 PM

so moving

Posted by Elizabeth Hoadley on 01/07/09 at 08:08 PM

Breathtaking and empathetic

Posted by Kerowyn Rose on 01/14/09 at 12:47 AM

This took my breath away. Nicely done. :)

Posted by Joan Serratelli on 03/04/09 at 11:51 AM

The picture says it all! I was moved by the words- it shows what a conpassionate person you are! this is an incredible write which shows the human condition. Makes me thankful that I have a roof over my head and food to eat.

Posted by Steven Kenworthy on 10/17/09 at 03:28 AM

the picture alone, being a dog lover...this is probably one of the most moving things i've seen on the site in 4 years. that is impressive. VERY

Return to the Previous Page
 

pathetic.org Version 7.3.2 May 2004 Terms and Conditions of Use 0 member(s) and 2 visitor(s) online
All works Copyright © 2024 their respective authors. Page Generated In 0 Second(s)