I See You

Description

Listen & Peruse

I See You

from the poem “Victory” by Ethan D. Bryan

I see you through swish and flick of windshield wipers cardboard-sign bearing stoplight waiting rain-dripping chinI carry no cashI desire to make eye contact but feel embarrassed for comforts I take for granted daily, hourlyReliable transportation hot showers, good food supportive family I see you through side-eye glances, waiting on an overdue green Dare I open doors offer to take you to lunch warm, dry respite on a cat-and-dog-hair-covered couch

Is that wise, is that safe What about my kids?Simple, naïve honest prayers do they honor God and neighbor or just assuage guilt?I’m sorry I don’t say anything I’m sorry I don’t give anythingBut I see you beautifully human and hope you know you are loved.

---

“The poem “Victory,” by local poet Ethan D. Bryan serves at the postscript to the Forgotten Voices cycle, turning the viewpoint from that of the unhoused to that of housed people who sincerely wish to help, but feel powerless and confused in the face of suffering. I love this poem because it correctly identifies the first step to real change – loving the beautifully human people who make up our unsheltered community. It does not absolve any of us from helping in every way we can, but it understands that love comes first, and then action follows. I hope this moves you to carry some cash, some handwarmers, water, food, something, so that you can always be ready to act in love and kindness towards those you meet, that it moves you to advocate for real change. ” – Katie Kring