Updated:

A poem to honor a man that used to come in Bezazian Library in late 90s.

By
1274
0

Latest

While leaning against a urine-stained & crumbling wall,
Hard up against the El tracks,
His heart stopped.
Softly he sank down to the pavement
Clasping to his chest
A plastic bag that held
All his worldly goods.
His death was witnessed
By the velvet darkness
As his stubbled chin was brought to rest
On the broken glass
Of someone else’s prayer.
Tell me how not one of us
Witnessed his passing
How did we miss that soul
Slipping away from its broken temple?
We wept no tears of joy
At his release,
We did not sorrow
At his absence from us.
How could it be
That not one of us witnessed his passing
Yet all of Heaven
Came out to greet him?

– Karen Harvey-Turner

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.org. Please donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

Featured

Bob Lee, People's Tribune -

Pearson’s TN Win Rebukes Corporate Dems & Attack on Voting Rights

The decisive victory of Justin Pearson in the Tennessee Democratic congressional primary marked a rebuke of both the corporate Democrats and the attack on the Voting Rights Act.
From the Editors, People's Tribune -

Citizens United Takes a Hit in Michigan Primary

In electing Abdul El-Sayed, voters rejected money in politics, defeating the pro-Israel and corporate funded campaign of his opponent in the amount of $70 million, making it among the most ever spent in a Democratic Party primary!
Alexandra Renoult-Orlandini -

Death Toll Expected to Rise: Justice for Those in Detention

Detainees in ICE detention are pleading for help due to inhumane conditions. Now, as of August 4, 2026, at least 24 detainees have died in custody this year alone.
Sarah Lazare and Amy Livingston -

Minnesota Trade Unionists Among Those Targeted; Feds Indict ICE Observers

Minnesota trade unionists are among 15 people indicted by the federal government, as part of a crackdown on organizing in opposition to the ICE and Border Patrol. Support is needed.
The Texas Tribune and Chloe Landen, Religion News Service -

Japanese Internment Survivors, Faith Leaders Demand Texas ICE Detention Center Close

Faith leaders and Japanese internment camp survivors held a 45 mile pilgrimage demanding the closure of the only federal family detention center, described as inhumane and a tragic “repetition of American history.”

More from the People's Tribune