my own drum

Now that I have a roof over my head it's more and more often that I may sleep in, whereas when staying at a shelter I was rousted every single day at 5:00am. I still have to get up before 6:00am if I'm to catch the bus to an AA meeting at 7:30. However, for whatever reasons (there were some legitimate ones)I slept in for a few days in a row, and missed those "Early Bird" meetings. (I still managed to make a later meeting on those days.)

Apparently I was missed, and some discussion was made as to my whereabouts. Then one morning last week came a knock on my door, and a fellow AA'er was standing there, inquiring if I was allright. Wow!

The following poem was written by yet another AA member, who gave it to me this morning. There was also a handwritten note and a phone number written on the page. Without further ado, here is "Humanity".

Humanity

He asked me if I seen Jeff today
the question hit me strong
I wondered if it been asked before
And now my guilt was rising

Jeff's a humble homeless man
His nights always uncertain
I see him by the place I go
Hi greeting, a quiet smile

He knows my name he says hello
He never asks for nothing
He's just someone who comes here
To be a better man today

Vague remembering those Bible words
About my brothers keeper
It seems that in this world we live
No time for you... too busy

"I think I'll go look for him
He's gone now these two days"
My words were quick, excused myself
So he left to search alone

And as I drove on to my day's routine
The thought came across my mind
If life should switch our places
Would someone look for me?

Joe B. April 2008