When I was Homeless
For the Letters of Gratitude Challenge
Dear Man,
I never thought the day would come when I would be homeless.
That was a lie.
I saw it coming. But I didn’t know how long it would take.
Many would say it was a test, equanimity tested. From my perspective I think I got through the trial.
In flying colours?
*
But you as a man, you were homeless for many days, longer than I would’ve been. Gave me your blankets and showed me where the toilets were — the ones I could use that weren’t barred to the public late at night.
First I was sitting near a Primark, but you weren’t there. I would find you when I rounded the corner. After I met you, the sky and I were in discourse, mostly wordless but a conversation none the less.
I believed I asked the question.
‘Why?’
But it responded with rain, and I thought it sounded good enough to sit back and listen. It was trying to lull me to sleep, the promise that I’d feel better tomorrow. Except I could not sleep, it was too dangerous — but the only thing that took advantage of me was the fear I felt, imminent peril never came.
Though the sky wept for us.
*
There were many that drove by offering me food and water. I was imperturbable, no longer asking why. More and more they would come, but police came too. Asking me:
‘Have you seen this woman?’
I hoped that she was okay. The blanket that was wrapped around me gave me hope enough for the both of us.
**
I was housed for a little while, the people there were nice. This was why I eventually disappeared, but I did not forget you. I wanted to take you with me, but anything I would ask of anyone would be too much, I knew enough to ask for only what they could give.
*
I don’t know where you are right now, but I hope you are safe enough to be happy. I was the one that made sure those blankets were:
Washed,
Fresh and soft.
I brought them back to you as soon as I could. But that’s not enough to express my gratitude to you.
I hope you know that it wasn’t because those blankets didn’t deserve a place in my home, it was so you could have something clean and soft, not so that I could have more than enough.
You showed me that some of the nicest people are the ones that are homeless, but that’s not to exclude everyone else. You’re someone that I value so much in memory, so much to promote your goodness to everyone.
And this was your story, you were homeless like me and you extended your hand without question.
You taught me many things.
To be content with little.
That the day will come when I would get more, but never to judge life based on the pace of it.
~~~
You were nice to me when you needed much, I hope this letter reaches you when you need little. But if not, I hope all the homeless people would know that when we divert our eyes away, it usually means we ourselves, don’t have anything to give; and if we did, we would not know how much is too much.
It hurts me the way it hurts you to be out in the cold. I know your fingers go numb, but your hearts burn with hope.
It counts.
For what it’s worth, thank you.
Not from a stranger but from someone you knew deeper.
Sincerely yours,
Caitlin ♥️
Please write back to me with your name 🙂🙏
A/N: Thank you for reading if you got this far 🙏♥️
About the Creator
Caitlin Charlton
poetry too close to home
🪄~unique fictional stories 💎 you’ve never known 🪄
📖~ let me read your work, say hi to me, I will leave comments longer than the road, please do return ~ 🙏🏽
📸 YouTube natures finest moments 🎥
~ married👰💍 ~
Reader insights
Nice work
Very well written. Keep up the good work!
Top insights
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Eye opening
Niche topic & fresh perspectives
On-point and relevant
Writing reflected the title & theme
Keep reading
More stories from Caitlin Charlton and writers in Humans and other communities.
Lost and Alone in the French Alps
Looking back, I can trace some of my life’s biggest adventures to a simple action from my sister. She’d introduced me to Tommy (a very long time ago), a colleague of hers, who had overshared his penchant for Italian-looking women, and I ticked that box.
By Chantal Christie Weiss11 days ago in Humans
Seeing life through eyes we’re taught to ignore
When I first looked at this image, it didn’t seem remarkable. A father is in a small wooden boat, fishing. The water is calm. His children sit closely behind him, watching his every move. One of them says, with quiet confidence, “Dad is trying to get us food.”
By Lori A. A.5 days ago in Humans
If You Love Me, You'll Do It
I met Jason when I was five years old. I could say that I loved him from the moment I saw him. He was so handsome to me and I felt in awe by his presence. When they introduced him as the new kid in school, I wanted to be his friend right away. I remember it like it was yesterday. I remember his smile and how he didn't seem shy. He appeared confident and ready to learn. I waved at him and said "hello," before anyone else could even say a word. He sat next to me, and I asked him if he wanted to be friends. He looked so happy as he said, "Yes!"
By Sidney Smith (Sid Smith)6 days ago in Fiction
Comments (26)
Heartfelt tale of difficult issues and experiences… like you, I hope better times come to those experiencing homelessness. Good family and friends can pitch in and help us through tough times.
this is stunning. thank you so much for sharing 💙
Interesting stuff
Excellent piece..I hope you win something!
What an incredible letter of gratitude, Caitlin. My heart weeps for the kindness. You really have a way with words.
This is beautiful, heartfelt and extremely powerful, loved it, Caitlin and its important message!
So beautiful to see pure hearts connecting and protecting each other in this world! This was beautifully written CC! Thank you for sharing this beautiful story of love in action with us! It is so very special & inspiring! ☺️💕
Such a Heartfelt story🥺💖
I can relate it's not a good thing to be homeless especially how cold it is.
Such a touching story. Thank you for sharing it, Caitlin.
Congratulations on placing as an Honorable Mention on this week's leaderboard for Most Discussed Story. Well done.
I love the heart in this!!!
This is all so emotional for me..it brought tears to my eyes Well written and wish u all the best in your future writing 🙏
This is rich with the gratitude and wisdom gained from a life both beset with challenges and blessed by second's chances. It’s scary out there in the real world, something you know better than most of us. Really well done and another extraordinary entry to the challenge, Caitlin!
This made me soooo emotional 😭😭😭😭😭😭 Sometimes it really sucks when I really can't help them in any way, because I really don't have anything to give and can't afford it
That was a beautiful letter, Caitlin! :)
Beautifully written. Well done.
Poignant, inspiring, heartbreaking and humbling all at once. This was a very genuine letter and you wrote it incredibly well. I hope this wins the challenge.
Caitlin, reading this in the morning makes me feel like I already succeeded today. It has hope and inspiration and that little touch of magic
Aww! This letter is pure gold!✨ Your gratitude shines through so sweetly, and the way you turned tough times into a story of kindness and hope? Absolutely heartwarming. That closing bit? Totally nailed it—so warm and uplifting!🤗💖 I wish you'd win the challenge Lemme cross my fingers 🤞
What a great read and sharing your feelings and everything that you learned then and continuing to learn about yourself. Good work.
That is a very heartfelt, and deep share, I felt very touched reading it. You perfectly conveyed the valuable lessons of giving, although one does not have much oneself, about compassion for others, and to be always happy and grateful for what you have. This letter evokes thinking about life, and you've written it so nicely.👏🏼 Good luck with the challenge Caitlin!💕💜
I’m book marking this, excited to read it when I can focus (gotta get my kids to school and change my tire first). I was homeless for a brief period of time and therefore expect your writing to really tug on my heart.
Your man is lucky to have you and vice versa 💕🤝 Your story is very emotional! I hope you win the challange 👏💖
Beautifully written, Caitlin. Very impactful.