Material found in banners above not endorsed by author of this site!   'Night America by Patricia Howard Fong The rain is cold, seeping through the flimsy blanket I call home. The cardboard bed long since soaked. Night approaching fast. Dread entering my soul. Don't fall asleep now, only in the day--noisy, busy, lonely days-- for protection against unknown demons waiting to pounce in the night. Tired. Must stay awake. My possessions, all I own, tucked under me. Had more in the beginning. Had more of myself, of my pride-- before aware of Night. Scared! Pain from that last attack still lingering. Held on to what I could, not much left. Dreams of life and hope replaced by nightmares, despair. "...America, America, God shed His grace on thee..." Watching unconcerned passers-by on their way to families, to homes, to jobs. Judging eyes seeing only what's left of me. Not caring to know what's inside, the pain, the fear, the used-to-be me. I watch, my soul silently screaming, "Don't you recognize me?! I used to be one of you. I could be you." They're afraid. They know they could be me. "...and crown thy good with brotherhood..." Winter coming soon. Too soon. Nowhere to turn. Heat more important than food, until the weakness comes. Must stay strong...to live, to protect myself, my possessions. What happened to me? Had a job, laid off. Had family, a home, all gone. Night is near. Stay awake. Must not forget, people don't survive unharmed in the streets. Stay awake! Night has come. "...from sea to shining sea." main | site explanation | wife | christian | community leader | musician graphic artist | teacher | writer | mom | chef | champion | crafter | sign guestbook © 1997, 1998 Sheila