I started attending church at Saint Mary’s at the lakes about 10 years ago. I went through RICA and converted to Catholicism. I volunteered at the church all the time. I don’t have a lot of money and it was my way to give to the church. I really enjoyed reading scripture on Sundays and also being a alter server. I raised our churches requirements for the diocesan service appeal three years in a row. I shoveled snow off the roof decorated the church at Christmas and Easter the list goes on and on. I participated in the share the warmth campaign at the Salvation Army. Though I was right next to homeless myself I would buy stuff to make breakfast for the 16 residence at the shelter that night. Stay awake all night with one other volunteer. Then go and prepare breakfast for them in the morning.
It’s been four years ago. I was getting ready to go to the shelter for the night when a woman called me. She said her name was Irene Poole from the knights of Columbus in Irish hills. She told me she was suppose to work as a volunteer with me at the shelter but she was having car trouble and wanted to know would I be alright by myself. I told her yes but having some mechanical skills I asked if I could come and give her a jump or help her start her car. She confessed to me that her car was only low on gas and she didn't have money. I asked her did she want me to come get her. All I have to do is make a circle drive out of the trip. Ok she said. It’s not easy staying awake all night. Irene reminds me of a grandmother. Full of valuable advice we spent the night talking. I broke out my poems on her. My S.O.S poem was her favorite. In speaking with Irene I found out she had volunteered to stay at the shelter every night for like a whole week I was impressed. “Truthfully” she confessed to me… "I came for the food". we got supper earlier, cooked by other volunteers that were leaving when we got here. And you brought the fixings for breakfast in the morning. Plus she said tomorrows Tuesday they have a pantry you can get two boxes of food and vegetables and since we’re here volunteering they will let us be first in line. I told her seems like I’m supposed to be somewhere else. You haven’t really slept your groggy jet lagged feeling. I drove but I’ll wait till the pantry opens and get some food for you Irene we’ll get you 4 boxes. I hated so bad to see Irene (someone’s grandma) in so much need. I hate it even today I don’t have money to help someone like Irene or myself even. The irony Turns up I had a court date…that morning. I don’t know how you forget an eviction hearing. I’m the guy who stops to help a distressed motorist even when I have some place to be. Maybe someday I’ll figure out how to help myself.
I hate poor people!
I've never eaten or ate a poor person but I sure know what it tastes like.
From my kindle book "what colors humanity" third page “poor people for breakfast”. Available at Amazon.com it's one of three books I've published.
They are poems inspired by my life.
I have a hard time writing a story. These poems are my story.
Bob Jenkens
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