Go to The Effulgence Within
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- Go to The Pathetic Old Beggar - Let Him Die Inseparably a Part of Nature
Aba Brother
This one is a piece that leaves me, in today's world, a bit conflicted. Here in SoCal we have a population of homeless people who want to be off the grid. My grandsons were part of a group when in high school that rendered aid to help those homeless who choose to live in tents at the corners of a certain beach on the sand and near the hidden brush. There were professionals, adults, as well, who tried to help the people get housing and services. Many of the people refused (some because no drugs or needles were allowed in the shelters, of course) but they did not refuse the sandwiches and foods my grandsons' group gave to them, thank God.
On the other hand, those who are living in squalid tents on the sidewalk in Los Angeles and are in drug-induced stupors or suffering from mental issues do need help. Should they die on the streets of New York? Or anywhere? So which is right?
Then there are those who are homeless because of circumstances beyond their control. It is all unsettling and there should be help for all. But for this poem and this post, kudos. I get the poet's point. And you, dear brother, have presented so poignantly a conundrum for deeper reflection once again. Thank you. 
posted by
Sea_Gypsy
on February 3, 2026 at 10:19 PM
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Re: C C T,
While beggars solicited for alms tramps were more transient and often did odd jobs. The common thing was both were homeless. You’re right about the farthings and that it is a shop now. 🥶
posted by
anib
on February 3, 2026 at 8:43 PM
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Well you made me feel that I knew the old begger. I suppose tramps were an upgrade at least the tramps had a place where they could lean over a rope all night for a couple of farthings. It is a shop now Good write.
posted by
C_C_T
on February 3, 2026 at 6:57 AM
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Re: Sam,
So very truly and imaginatively observed. 😻 Beautiful !
posted by
anib
on February 2, 2026 at 9:47 PM
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Re: Sherri G,
I think Nature is unbiased, neither kind nor harsh in itself.
It is we the people’s inconsiderate attitude and unkindness that is responsible.Thank you ma’am.
posted by
anib
on February 2, 2026 at 9:42 PM
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Re: Re: Hi there, big sis,
That should have been 1837 to 1901.
posted by
anib
on February 2, 2026 at 9:29 PM
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Re: Re: Hi there, big sis,
That should have been 1837 to 1901.
posted by
anib
on February 2, 2026 at 9:29 PM
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Re: Hi there, big Sis,
True, that the harshness of it all was too demanding. Wordsworth’s purpose must have been to draw attention to the condition of poor in the eighteenth century where people were quite oblivious to the condition of the deprived as long as they themselves were rich ot pretended to be one such. Unless three were poor, how could they be seen as rich? This show-off continued throughout the Victorian era - 1837 times to 1901.
posted by
anib
on February 2, 2026 at 9:24 PM
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When I read something from an earlier century or two I have to readjust my thinking. What I would be very critical of a current author writing I cannot jab my finger at another time and place. Sometimes words we would never use now were commonplace back when, especially about people with mental disabilities , birth defects or such.
posted by
Kabu
on February 2, 2026 at 9:03 PM
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Nature is unkind and brutal on an old body, especially a poor, pathetic one who has been left to roam free as he pleases with little to no means of fighting the elements. As always, you have written another thought-provoking piece.
posted by
Sherri_G
on February 2, 2026 at 12:05 PM
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I had mixed emotions woth the theme. I thought it was great to give 'handouts' and it felt as though he was intentionally sharing woth the birds. I have no problem with letting someone live the eay they choose but the harshness of it all seemed to be demeaning. I'll have to give it a read and thought. Great synopsis nonetheless.
posted by
sam444
on February 2, 2026 at 11:37 AM
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Re: T.E.W.
Thank you ma’am,
Coming from you, it’s a great honour. For me you’re Live Encouragement and I greatly value your comments, Thank you ma’am TAPS. 😺🤠😬😮
posted by
anib
on February 2, 2026 at 7:46 AM
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T.E.W.
I'm so glad that you do what you do. I know, I seldom respond. I guess I just feel that you have said it all and I have nothing to add..... But this morning not long before I read you, some pages from Robert Lewis Stephen et al dropped out of an old notebook of mine and I got caught up in reading them again....jewels from the past (There are so many just hidden away in bookcases.)
posted by
TAPS.
on February 2, 2026 at 7:32 AM
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