According to Buddha
The important thing is that you acknowledge your homeless neighbours and treat them to as much generosity you can muster, even if that is just a smile.
we’ve all seen a man at the liquor store beggin’ for your change
the hair on his face is dirty, dread-locked, and full of mange
he asks a man for what he could spare, with shame in his eyes
“get a job, you fucking slob,” is all he replies
god forbid, you ever had to walk a mile in his shoes
’cause then you really might know what it’s like to sing the blues
Toronto, Ontario ~Yonge Street ~ August 2015.
A really nice photo essay on homelessness, Hedy. You have captured these people in a very respectful manner that shows their troubles. Have a great day. =)
thank you Chris…a part of every city…i had nice conversations with most of them…so i appreciate you noting…always appreciate your thoughtful comments…compose a happy day.
Powerful, Hedy…..
Thank you kindly Rob ☺️ compose a happy day ~ smiles hedy
Great pictures and touching words. We seem them quite often in our area. I think offering them something to drink like the man is doing in the picture is a great thing to do.
i think kindness is always possible…and a nice coffee and a conversation is often just what we all need…thanks Sonya…compose a happy day ~ smiles hedy
Great pictures showing the distress of these people. Good on you that you talked to them…most people would only have taken their pictures without them knowing or learning anything from them. (Suzanne)
It’s always tender for me but I can share a moment and listen and give a smile…although coffee is always a good share too…thanks kindly Suzanne for your comment…compose a happy day ~ smiles hedy
Brilliant photography. Heartfull of compassion.
Alison
Thanks kindly Alison…I appreciate you saying ☺️ compose a happy day!
so powerful.
thank you kindly Gavin ☺️
Well done Hedy . . . a beautiful set!
☺️ thanks Patti…appreciate you saying!
Powerful, yet sensitive images. We are they. Love the song as well, great message…what it’s like. 💕
Thanks Diana ☺️ I’m in Toronto for a bit 😊 appreciate your comment…I like the song too ☺️ happy night to you!
Really good and thoughtful shots. (Yonge Street or Young Street?)
oops sloppy of me 😔 of course you are right I will correct it ☺️ thanks kindly Bunty…compose a happy night!
done! 😀 thank YOU again!
This is a very powerful post, with your words and especially with your photos. You bring in a great quote (and song) at the end “god forbid, you ever had to walk a mile in his shoes” but in a way it would be a great thing if we all did so we could understand each other that much better. Wish you well ~
I wondered about composing it but thought after meeting the people their stories matter more and more as I travel to cities and see we all have these issues of homelessness and that at any time we may walk be in their shoes…we all need to be appreciated and have the right to have a home address…bought a lovely piece of art last night from a woman outside…a creative soul and her work made me smile and she appreciated being paid….I imagine a different world Randall ☺️ happy day to YOU!
The stories that many of these people have are fascinating, and many are bright and creative…that fine line is closer than we all think. A different world is indeed a good thing. Wish you well and a great day ahead Hedy.
i’m having a good one Randall and yes you are right…it’s a fine line indeed.
This is such a polarizing subject, but your last two lines say everything that matters. Judgement is quick and easy – really understanding, not so simple….
It is contested indeed but we all can smile and share just a little of ourselves…and you are right not easy but kindness is always possible…for me I can not just walk on by…I started to recognize many of the ppl and saying good morning/night isn’t hard to me…thanks kindly Earthstills for you thoughtful comment ☺️ compose a happy day…
Phenomenal post…beautiful and powerful, so deep with feeling. All the best,
Autumn Jade
well thank kindly Autumn Jade 😀 that’s so nice to read…compose a happy day ~ smiles hedy