It can be so difficult to put yourself in someone else's place, to know what they know, to understand the data they are using to make their decisions, because we've never had to use exactly the same data that they are using. But I believe this (and I don't use the word "believe" lightly): everyone makes the best decisions they can given the data they have available. Anyway, lots of compassion in this piece, Lori. Excellent encouragements.

You are correct when you say 'so few do bad'. The problem is that some people get into positions of power and when they 'do bad' it hurts a lot more people. Murder or theft are bad but they usually hurt a few people. When a banker steals or a general murders then a lot of people get hurt when it doesn't have to happen. But I like the way you approach things, trying to understand when so few even attempt that.

...lori, hurtful as conscience would/could be...one time medaughter Page [at 8 then] saw a man standing at a corner "begging" and said, "Dad, that's so sad!" and we were the haves and she noticed a have-not...broke meheart and simultaneously helped to mend it--she taught me that day...i began to see.

It's really hard to know who really need and who just want. You've captured the dilemma of what we see around us right now, and the discussion with your son adds to your observations. Thank you, Lori. I really liked the phrase "cuz we are whole sums".

Your poem is so powerful. Great job on a matter of great importance. You see what many close their eyes to. Every month when it comes time for the rent to be paid, I worry that it may be the month I become homeless. Not having a job is harmful in so many ways. Self-esteem is everything and it's so hard to feel good about life when the most basic needs are not being met and a job is just a wsih without the birthday cake. I don't want to become a man on the street with a sign, asking for money or a job just to get some food. I often give my pocket change to homeless people, and I wonder what it can do for them that it isn't doing for me. I don't have much and giving it away just makes it harder for me, but sometimes I feel I can help them make it one more day. Last night 60 Minutes did a piece on homeless kids, living in a truck but still trying to survive and go to school. And they had such positive attitudes, not letting their situation defeat them. I wish I had their energy and attitude. It can get so depressing when you apply for job after job and no one even calls you back. And I feel lucky to have more than they do, a home, not much of a home, but a roof over my head and some food in my cupboards. jj

this is a marvelously constructed and rhythmic anthem to the Have and Have Not. for me it is a Via Dolorosa, the gauntlet of which one does not exit, unscathed.

... excellent.....

reminds me of stories of The Great Depression I heard from my father who took his family through it at a young age. My mother's brother, uncle Harry, too. It scarred them but strengthened them. The family was never so tight as it was during the hard times. They seem to be here again. A very heartfelt poem, Lori.

Phil nails it: "Via Dolorosa" so aptly captures the feeling I have as I read your poem. The sadness - the suffering. I see and hear between your lines a big beautiful heart and rejoice that your child has you to guide him and hold his hand. Blessings, Lori. And thanks.

We live in a world built on a system that can not give equally, but instead forces the masses to work and die for the few. It is unfortunate that everyone in the world is trapped in this system.