In honor of National Poetry Month, we would like to share some poetry written by Christ House patients over the years. Christ House offers comprehensive and compassionate health care to men experiencing homelessness in Washington, DC. An important aspect of our patient care is holistic support. Patients are offered medical care, case management services, three meals a day, pastoral support, and the opportunity to participate in various activities.
Poetry offers our patients an avenue for self-expression and creativity, which can assist in overall mental health and recovery. As with all patient activities, poetry also builds self-esteem. Finally, writing with other patients can help foster a sense of community. We hope you enjoy this selection of poems written by former Christ House patients.
NATURE’S LURE
Suddenly, I came upon a lovely pond.
My friends and I were startled
by a screeching chorus.
Lo and behold! across the pond,
Ducks and geese gathered in song.
Without warning, or even a hint
the sky faded just a bit,
and to the delight of all that witness,
A rainbow graced the heavens.
“Thank you, Lord,” I whispered,
As I looked around at my newfound friends.
Thank you for the blessings of a lifetime.
-Reggie
CHERRY BLOSSOM TIME
When I first saw the cherry blossoms,
I felt so cheerful.
The sun was up; the wind was blowing soft.
The grass smelled like a garden.
The sky was blue.
I was wide-awake.
I took the camera to remember the moment.
The picture in my hand is only a picture of the moment.
The real event is in my heart.
-Robert
CHRIST HOUSE
I know a place where love abides,
The kind that’s longed for deep down inside.
Now let me explain, leaving no room for doubt,
Come see for yourself – ‘til then check this out:
Come as you are, however you’re feeling,
To get physical, mental, and spiritual healing.
There’s a nice clean room, a soft bed in which to sleep.
And all your personal belongings,
downstairs they’ll keep.
The case management team addresses your needs.
No matter the problem, race, color, or creed.
They’ll give you clean clothes, some brand new.
There’s a dayroom up front with quite a view.
The nursing staff is heavenly sent,
Their time and effort supportively spent
On caring for you twenty-four-seven,
In that there lies “my slice of heaven.”
Three good, hot meals, each and every day
And a nine o’clock snack, not bad I must say.
And sometimes the staff will join us for lunch,
And believe you me, they serve us a bunch.
There’s a community meeting once a week,
Every voice in the house gets a chance to speak.
We have prayer service and Sunday church,
A chance to give our souls a good search.
There’s the Wii game, a movie, a play or two,
Art classes and current events, there’s plenty to do.
There’s NA and AA to assist us in recovery,
Then there’s New Day, a world of self-discovery.
And Table Fellowship is such a delight,
Too bad we only hold it on Thursday night.
The Kairos program has quite a choir,
The music they sing is sure to inspire.
There’s TV to watch, there’s books to read
And all the things a person may need.
To be at this place at the end of the year,
You’ll celebrate the holiday with so much cheer.
No matter the season, no matter the weather,
Christ House is guaranteed to make you better.
-Steven
SPRINGTIME LOVE
The love
that springtime brought
was like a blooming flower.
It was like knowing you
with the same kind of love.
The birds will get
the flower’s nectar
after the day is over.
At sundown
they go to their own nest.
-Marcial
IT WORKS
One day at a time
That’s how it works
Even a moment
Is too far to think
Changing day
Is a benefit away
I still got to live life
On life’s terms
Can’t get caught up
In the hour to hour
Oh! What a surprise!
What a beautiful flower.
I saw your smile,
Is that how it works?
-Michael
What a wonderful tribute to Poetry Month! I ‘d like to see current residents ‘ poetry as well, so they can receive the credit and encouragement they deserve. Thank you!