05 27 2009 by Street Sense Media

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May 27 - June 9, 2009

Where Your Dollar Goes:

Where the poor and homeless May 27 to June 9, 2009

earn and give their two cents

D STE GE ON G S U N AT I DO

Volume 6 Issue 15

SPECIAL ARTS ISSUE

65 cents for the Vendor

35 cents for production of the paper

Sketches and Poems from the Street Page 7

Stacy from Malibu: a Short Story Page 10

Mysteries Unfold at Miriamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Kitchen, see page 5 . . .

An Ode to Homeless Cats Page 13

May 27 - June 9, 2009

1317 G Street, NW Washington, DC 20005 Phone: (202) 347–2006 Fax: (202) 347–2166 info@streetsense.org www.streetsense.org BOARD OF DIRECTORS Kristal DeKleer Lisa Estrada Ted Henson Mary Lynn Jones Sommer Mathis Brad Scriber John Snellgrove Michael Stoops Martin Walker David Walker Kathy Whelpley EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Laura Thompson Osuri EDITOR–IN–CHIEF Mary Otto VENDOR MANAGER Gregory Martin ASSOCIATE EDITOR David S. Hammond (volunteer) VOLUNTEERS/WRITERS

Sherry Antoine, Laura Arico, Robert Basler, Robert Blair, John Brandt, Jane Cave, Carol Cummings, Rebecca Curry, Katie Edson, Andy Freeze, Lisa Gillespie, Cassandra Good, Joanne Goodwin, Roberta Haber, Erica Hall, Carol Hannaford, Justin Herman, Annie Hill, Dan Horner, Phillip Hoying, Kayne Karnbach, Michael Kelly, Maurice King, Geof Koss, Brenda K. Lee-Wilson, Starlett McNeill, Kim O’Connor, Gabriel Okolski, Robert Orifici, Michael O’Neill, Jon Pattee, Katinka Podmankzy, Sarah Pope, Diane Rusignola, Cara Schmidt, Jamie Schuman, Jesse Smith, Christna Studivant, Matthew Taylor, Robert Trautman, Eugene Versluysen, Linda Wang, Denise Wilkins, Marian Wiseman, Corrine Yu

VENDORS

Jake Ashford, Lawrence Autry, Glenn Baldwin, Daniel Ball, Carlie Banks, Kenneth Belkosky, Tommy Bennett, Phillip Black, Reginald Black, Corey Bridges, Michael Brown, Bobby Buggs, Melody Byrd, Cliff Carle, Conrad Cheek, Aaron Conner, Pamela Cooper, Anthony Crawford, Louise Davenport, James Davis, Chino Dean, David Denny, Ricardo Dickerson, Muriel Dixon, Alvin Dixon El, Jerome Douglas, Charles Eatmon, Eric Ellis, Randy Evans, Tanya Franklin, Samuel Fullwood, Roger Garner, Robert Gregory, Barron Hall, David Harris, Dwight Harris, John Harrison, Patricia Henry, Shawn Herring, Michael Higgs, Philip Howard, Lester Irby, Joanna Jackson, Patricia Jefferson, Jewell Johnson, Carlton Johnson, Donald Johnson, Allen Jones, Mark Jones, DeRutter Jones, Clinton Kilpatrick, Brenda Lee-Wilson, Michael Lyons, Kina Mathis, John Matthews, Charlie Mayfield, Herman Mayse, Robert McCray, Jermale McKnight, Jennifer McLaughlin, Jeffery McNeil, Virginia Moore, L. Morrow, Tyrone Murray, Charles Nelson, Sammy Ngatiri, Evelyn Nnam, Larry Olds, Moyo Onibuje, Gregory Phillips, Thomas Queen, Ash-Shaheed Rabbil, Michael Reardon, Jeanette Richardson, Tyrone Rogers, Ed Ross, Chris Shaw, Veda Simpson, Patty Smith, Gerald Smith, Yvette Smith, Franklin Sterling, Warren Stevens, James Stewart, Garland Stroman, Leroy Studevant, Sybil Taylor, Steve Thomas, Eric Thompson, Francine Triplett, Carl Turner, Patsy Uzzell, Martin Walker, Joseph Walker, Lawless Watson, Gregory Wells, Michael J. Welsh, Darrell Whitmyer, Edna Williams, Ivory Wilson, Charles Woods

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Our Mission

Street Sense aims to serve as a vehicle for elevating voices and public debate on issues relating to poverty while also creating economic opportunities for people who are experiencing homelessness in our community.

The Story of Street Sense

Street Sense began in August 2003 after two volunteers, Laura Thompson Osuri and Ted Henson, approached the National Coalition for the Homeless on separate occasions about starting a street newspaper in Washington, D.C. A street paper is defined as a newspaper about poverty, homelessness and other social issues that provides an income to the homeless individuals who sell it. About 25 street papers operate in the United States and Canada in places like Seattle, Chicago, Montreal and Boston, and dozens more exist throughout the world. After bringing together a core of dedicated volunteers and vendors, Street Sense came out with its first issue in November 2003, printing 5,000 copies. For the next three years the paper published on a monthly basis and greatly expanded its circulation and vendor network.

For the first year, Street Sense operated as a project of the National Coalition for the Homeless, but in October 2004, the organization incorporated and moved into its own office space. In March 2005, Street Sense received 501(c)3 status, becoming a nonprofit organization. In October 2005 Street Sense formed a full board of directors, and in November the organization hired its first employee, a fulltime executive director. A year later in November 2006 , the organization hired its first vendor coordinator, and began partnering with several service providers. In February 2007, the paper started publishing twice a month and to support the increased production, Street Sense brought on its first fulltime editor–in–chief in April. As of January 2009 the paper has 80 active vendors and prints about 30,000 issues a month.

Do you want to continue to support Street Sense throughout the year? Order a subscription today! Not only will you receive 26 issues packed with all our latest news, poetry and photography, you will also help raise awareness about poverty in the D.C. area. ___ YES! I want to subscribe to Street Sense for just $40 a year for 26 issues. ___ YES! I want to give half of the cost of a subscription to my favorite vendor: ________________________________ Name: _______________________________ Address: ______________________________ _____________________________________ City:__________________________________ State:__________________ Zip: __________ Phone: _______________________________ E-mail: _______________________________

We are proud members of:

International Network of Street Papers

Vendor Code of Conduct 1.

4. 5.

6. 7. 8.

10.

Street Sense will be distributed for a voluntary donation of $1. I agree not to ask for more than a dollar or solicit donations for Street Sense by any other means. I will only purchase the paper from Street Sense staff and will not sell papers to other vendors (outside of the office volunteers). I agree to treat all others – customers, staff, other vendors – respectfully, and I will not “hard sell,” threaten or pressure customers. I agree to stay off private property when selling Street Sense. I understand that I am not a legal employee of Street Sense but a contracted worker responsible for my own well–being and income. I agree to sell no additional goods or products when selling the paper. I will not sell Street Sense under the influence of drugs or alcohol. I agree to stay a block away from another vendor and respect the space of all vendors. I understand that my badge is the property of Street Sense and will not deface it. I will present my badge when purchasing the papers and display my badge when selling papers. I understand that Street Sense strives to be a paper that covers homelessness and poverty issues while providing a source of income for the homeless. I will try to help in this effort and spread the word.

Last Month’s Donors

Please make checks payable to: Street Sense.

Mail to: Street Sense, 1317 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005.

North American Street Newspaper Association

Thank You!

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May 27 - June 9, 2009

A Note to Our Readers: Arts Issue By Mary Otto

LA DALE, Anne Marie Holloway and Eugene Sanford. And volunteer contributor Frank Russell has shared his astute sketches illustrating the lives of homeless people here in the District and in his native Baltimore. Our Writer’s Group page, ably edited and composed by vendor Reginald Black and the Writer’s Group crew, serves up, as always, a colorful array of short verse and essays. So here it is, our arts issue. Thanks so much for reading.

There is so much intense work going on here in the tiny Street Sense office, on the second floor of the Church of the Epiphany, that life here can sometimes get a bit overwhelming. For our dozens of homeless and formerly homeless vendors, there is the daily struggle of survival. They are out in all kinds of weather, selling Street Sense and educating the public, first hand, about the challenges of living on a shoestring. Then there is our journalistic mission. We attempt, in every issue, to bring you compelling news of homelessness and poverty, covered in a fair and accurate way. We are so focused on these important jobs we sometimes forget A Reconciling to stop and appreciate what a thriving creative community Street Congregation Sense has also become. Vendors often take a break from their newspaper sales – and their Invites you to join us in busy lives – to sit down at the office computers and write more poworship on Sundays ems, essays and stories than we have room to print in any given at 9:30 and 11:00 AM issue. Homeless Outreach Add to that our creative neighbors at places such as Miriam’s Hospitality: Kitchen, who gather daily to paint, draw and distill beauty and order Fridays 9:00 AM out of their sometimes chaotic lives. Looking at all this, we recently realized we had the makings of a full issue honoring homelessness Foundry United and the arts. Methodist Church We invite you to browse and enjoy what you find among these 1500 16th Street, NW pages: the first installment of an intriguing new three-part story by Washington, DC 20036 vendor Ivory Wilson, song lyrics by vendor and guitarist Greg Phil(202) 332-4010 lips, and a fascinating variety of poems by vendors including Frankwww.foundryumc.org lin Sterling, Jermale McKnight, DeRutter Jones and Chris Shaw. We hope you find their writings have been complemented by the powerful visual work of Miriam’s artists, including the Great

FOUNDRY

Now Providing Quality Dental Services for D.C. Medically underserved and homeless persons

….We treat you well

For one of Unity Health Care’s Medical Homeless Service Sites Call (202) 255-3469 For an appointment at any of our Community Health Centers Call 1(866) 388388-6489

Donate to Street Sense I will donate:

My Information Name:_______________________________________________________ Address:_____________________________________________________ City/State/Zip:_______________________________________________ Phone:_______________________E-mail:_________________________ Please make checks payable to Street Sense Street Sense is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization. All donations are tax deductible. Mail to: Street Sense, 1317 G St. NW, Washington, DC 20005. You can also donate online at www.streetsense.org

___ $50 for two vendor awards each month ___ $70 for food for vendor meetings ___ $100 for postage each month ___ $200 for the vests of 15 new vendors ___ $500 for rent for vendor office ___ $1,200 for the printing of one issue ___ Another amount of $_______ ___ Another amount of $_______ for vendor: ________________

In Kind Donations Needed * Messenger and tote bags and backpacks for vendors

* Laptop computers with at least Windows 2000

* Bottled water to hand out to vendors

and 10 GB of storage space

* Food for vendor meetings

* Laser color printer

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May 27 - June 9, 2009

The Creative Process in Print

More from Miriam’s Kitchen . .

By David Hammond

The work of Miriam’s artists, described elsewhere in this issue, is marvelous and flavorful stuff. It illustrates the lives of its creators – the imagination, the ideas and the beauty. At Street Sense, the creative medium is primarily the printed word. That might seem entirely different from painting and sketching and creative assemblages, but it’s not. Because the basics are the same: imagination, focus and skill. Writing is like painting, or music – note by note, word by word, brushstroke by brushstroke, something is assembled, adjusted, polished. The imagination one brings to writing is one of specific topics and ideas. Our vendors are like everyone else: everyone has a life story, a view of the world, and an idea about the future. Some vendors write one article, and don’t seem to need to do it again. They’re obviously proud of having spoken up in print, but once it’s out there, they seem satisfied. Others produce a few articles and move on. And some vendors find that they have a great deal they’d like to say, and even end up writing regular columns. For all these writers, the first question is one of focus. What should be included? What should be left out? How much do I want to reveal about myself? How much detail should I give the reader? How much room do I have on the page? For those beginning writers whose drafts include an entire universe of topics and ideas, finding the right focus can be tough. It feels wrong to cut things out – especially when they feel so compelling to the writer. Helping people find their focus is one of the greatest challenges an editor will face. But in finding that focus, and in making an article or an essay ready to print, our writers build the skills to communicate more meaningfully with their readers. They learn by doing, as they adjust their focus, their tone, even the length of a story to fit the printed page. That’s important to the newspaper, and to our vendors’ role as educators on homelessness. We are proud to help them learn.

“Horses” by Anne Marie Holloway

“Piggly Wiggly” by Eugene Sanford

“Freedom Ring” by the Great LA DALE

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May 27 - June 9, 2009

By Mary Otto Every weekday at 8 a.m., the staff and volunteers of Miriam’s Kitchen clear away the breakfast dishes and cover the tables with paint-spattered cloths. Then the art cart comes out. The paints and beads and balls of yarn beckon in a rainbow of colors. A c o u p l e d oz e n men and women gather to choose their supplies, then settle back down around the tables. And the tenor of morning in the basement of Western Presbyterian Church in Foggy Bottom shifts. The businesslike clatter of a morning meal for 200 people in various stages of homelessness moves down to a quiet hum. And the mysteries begin to unfold. A necklace called “Great Courage From the pencil designed by Miriam’s Kitchen of Thomas Spriggs, a artist The Great LA DALE. four-headed dragon emerges. Under the hands of Richard Allen, a lion is growing from a lump of clay. This is the first time Ronald Mackie has stayed after breakfast. He is surprised by the scene that flows from his colored pens – a turquoise house, a man and woman moving toward one another with open arms. “Something got into me,” he says, wondering at the world on his paper. “I’m really happy about it.” Art therapy intern Kate Baasch watches the art-

I try to be creative, reframe things. Some people sleep in our group. We reframe it as ‘they are being our still-life models.’

ists work. She sees homelessness as a challenge to a person’s sense of self. And she believes in the power of art to heal. Through their creations, she sees these artists exploring their pasts and reimagining their futures. The District has over 6,000 homeless men women and children, and the majority of the folks who come to Miriam’s spend their nights in emergency shelters or streets and parks. A smaller percentage lives in transitional or permanent housing. Some are coping with mental illness. Many have experienced trauma that is hard to put into words. But words are not necessary for the art that is created here. “It’s really a contemplative process,” says Baasch. The after-breakfast art studio “gives people a chance to sit and think, process things in a nonverbal way.” Some people just linger and watch. They are also welcome, are also considered artists. “I have a pretty broad definition of art,” says Baasch. “We say appreciation is a form of art.” Whatever choice is made, that choice is empowering. “I try to be creative, reframe things. Some people sleep in our group. We reframe it as ‘they are being our still-life models.’ ” After all, the art room offers a rare quiet haven from the streets. “There are not many places that homeless individuals can spend their days,” says Miriam’s case manager Amanda Moss. “I have personally seen how the opportunity to create art … has alleviated the stress of some of our guests. The availability of multi-media art supplies has allowed our guests to channel their negative energy into something beautiful, creative and positive.” From out of their imaginations they draw powerful figures and inner stillness. One man at a table carefully paints the shadows on a tree branch that stretches across an otherwise blank sheet of paper. Another paints on canvas: a boardwalk, a beach with tiny frilled umbrellas. Patricia Alethia Queen paints apartment buildings. “I make just the second floor.” Divya Prabhakaran paints jewel-like landscapes, places of joy and serenity. “It just relaxes my mind,” he says with a smile. The act of creation, Baasch says, “invites a guest to the sanctuary of self.” At one table, volunteer Liz Potamites teaches John Peterbark how to knit. Peterbark patiently winds and tucks the yarn as his eyeglasses, which have no sidepieces, slide slowly down his nose. “I have a few situations but to heck with them,” he exults. “This is totally stress-relieving. I want to learn to crochet after this.” A big man who identifies himself as the Great LA DALE shows off a sculpture, a fantastic landscape mounted on a platform of popsicle sticks: a tangled wilderness of jeweled trees, rocks, even two miniature tigers, leaping. At the center of the scene is a lost child’s shoe.

By JAne Cave

Art Lights the Way at Miriam’s Kitchen

Divya Prabhakaran, a Miriam’s Kitchen artist, displays his latest painting.

The Great LA DALE says he found the small shoe in Southeast, lying on the street. The rest of the piece grew up around it. He says he never did art before he came to Miriam’s. Now his art, full of secrets and power, is lighting the way for him. “My art tells me where to go with it.” See more artwork from the Miriam’s Kitchen artists on page 8 and 9.

Miriam's Kitchen was founded in 1983 by a collaboration of The George Washington University Hillel Student Association, Western Presbyterian Church and United Church in response to an urgent need for services for the homeless in downtown Washington, DC. The organization’s mission is to provide individualized services that address the causes and consequences of homelessness in an atmosphere of dignity and respect, both directly and through facilitating connections in Washington, DC.

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May 27 - June 9, 2009

Voices from the Streets . . . HOMELESS The stench emanating from unwashed feet, In abandoned buildings on a dead-end street. No place to even lay your head. A cardboard box your only bed The cold morning air and ceilingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leaks, Stirs alcoholics, dopefiends, and crackhead freaks. Milk crates strewn about used as chairs, While some replace the missing stairs. Off to panhandle the middle class, Through dope needles, stems, and broken glass. Racked with disease, sickness, and strife This is the story of the homeless life. Where did this devastation all begin, From drugs, the system, or maybe Kin. Blindly pointing at someone to blame To justify your life of shame. By David Denny David has been a vendor for four months.

Drawings on pages 6-7 by Frank Russell

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May 27 - June 9, 2009

STREET LIFE Walking the streets from dawn to dust Survival of the fittest is a must Tryin’ to find something to eat Looking for some place to sleep This is sure enough a reality When you’re living in the streets. Brotherman brotherman can you spare a dime This brings tears to my eyes I prefer to give you a hand up Not a hand out But a hand out to pull you up It’s a must in this day and time Showing some love is not crime But first you have to be in the right Frame of mind. Showing agape love is a must What does that mean we shall discuss Agape love is a Godly kind of love, to love in spite of Not because of. It’s a goal to reach in this day we live in. Back to the streets struggling and straining To make ends meet The government is a lot of help This help you got to get for yourself Nobody is going to do it for you So get off your butt and move. Getting back on my feet That’s the goal I’m trying to meet And getting out of this nightmarish dream that Somehow became a reality And live the American Dream Money in the bank, a house by the lake A truck and a car, wife and kids. That’s my dream and my goal That’s all I got to hold on to One day it will come true. By William L. Richardson

MY ADDICTION Many people wondered Why i never told Just woke up one morning Headed out into the cold. Never once did i speak Never once did i write I couldnt keep on going So i left without a fight

Brotherman, can you spare a dime? -- this brings tears to my eyes.

I cant explain what it is that happened At times i just feel the need to run I dont know what is wrong But i know my fight has only just begun. I never truly wanted to leave you Never once did i really know Of the pain thats so deep inside Thats why i found it the time to go. The pain i feel inside Somedays is hard to withstand I know i cant keep on running Its time to stop and just stand. Continually im fighting these feelings I dont know if they will ever mend But running away from them I know that ill never reach the end. By Frank Mearns

William is a brand new vendor and loves to attend the Street Sense Writers’ Group.

Frank has been a vendor for two months and is orginally from Ireland. He also plays on the DC Street Soccer Team.

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May 27 - June 9, 2009

Thru Death to Life nothing nothing nothing all i see is nothing thru death to life now becoming clear seeing pictures of a grandpa hugging his kids thru death to life looking looking back seeing a middle aged man with no fear always relieved much relaxed thru death to life looking looking looking back seeing a young man with a lot of backpacks struggling hustling trying ta muscle in thru death to life starts feeling smaller and smaller when was then? what is this am i a baby? thru death to life have I journeyed to my roots maybe coming from dead motionless these images crazy memories or a dream what do all these pictures mean? let’s be very precise it’s a journey thru my death to life -- by Reginald Black

I take in life, I appreciate it I’m feeling being grateful I reciprocate the tradition wi and respect I want to do greater of furthe than that what already i

By T he G reat

Reggie has been a vendor for 11 months and plans to go to college in the fall. He just turned 24 and is Street Sense’s youngest vendor.

I Take In Life

La D ale

I go further I go harder Because if I wasn’t trying to then balling! Why bother I offer the fruits of my findin To be in line with the gift of J With perfect practice and tim mode.

-- By Jermale Mc

Jermale has been a vendor for 18 mo to be a police officer.

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May 27 - June 9, 2009

Who am I?

By Anne Marie HollowAy

By Eugene Sanford

I am a strong sista A TRUE sista, proud sista An outstanding sister, Despite of my downfalls But I have Raised Up, from depression, heartache & Pain of Being Homeless. God has Brought me through the rough Waters of the sea. I am doing well and Excellent. I started a new chapter in my life. Due to friends + family as I went through Periods of rough Times, Rough waters. Days will be better than ever for me. I started a new Leaf in my Life. Is put Back together again. New pathway. I am a STRONG sista. -- by Sybil Taylor

Radical RealisM Is the fact that… I can’t conform to your rules.

Sybil has been a vendor for nine months. When she is not selling the paper, she provides companionship and care to an elderly woman.

Who are you to dictate What I state You can’t be my censor Certainly not mentor.

ith having gratitude

My brain Can’t be contained Or put in a bind By the limits of your mind.

erance, in retrospect

Constantly thinking Is the key I can’t be you Neither you, be me.

ngs Jesus ming, in grinding

cKnight

onths and wants

“Renelle” by the great la dale

excel with the ball,

Individuality Is the rule of the day Keep that in mind You’ll go the right way. -- by Shawn Herring Shawn has been a vendor for seven months and is a great last-minute writer.

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May 27 - June 9, 2009

Stacy from Malibu: Part One (rated PG-13) By Ivory Wilson Stacy kicks back, lying on his fold-away couch bed, smoking a cigarette, having a drink, reading about his first solved case in the Washington Post. Tamika is sitting on Stacy’s desk, painting her nails, chewing gum. Stacy said, “Tamika, here, put this case file in the file cabinet.” Tamika walks over to the file cabinet, opens it and says, “Ooh Stacy, now I know you got some black in you.” “Why do you say that?” “Because all you have in here are dirty books, a bottle of vodka, and lots of unpaid bills. That’s what most black people do. We don’t pay bills either, just put them away, that’s what I do.” Stacy grins and says, “Tamika, close it. Isn’t there something you could be doing?” “Yea, yea, I could be finishing my nails.” Stacy then gets back to it. The phone rings and Tamika answers it, smacking her gum and saying, “Stacy Investigations.” “My name is Mrs. Fine Taylor. I would like to know if Mr. Stacy is available.” “One moment,” Tamika replies. “Stacy here, how may I help you?” “I have a matter to discuss with you, but not over the phone. Would you come to my home? The address is 1313 Maywood, overlooking the Potomac River. I’ll be expecting you.” Stacy says, “I’ll be there by noon.” Stacy smiles at Tamika and says, “Tamika, it looks like you still got a job.” Tamika stands up and puts her hands on her hips, moving her head around, back and forth like a bobble doll, and says, smiling, “Stop playing, Stacy.” “Tamika, I’m going to see Mrs. Fine Taylor,” says Stacy, putting on his shoulder holster, his Colt and his blue coat and hat while walking out the door. Tamika says, “Stacy, you forgot to put on your bulletproof vest. You know people are always shooting at you. Mrs. Fine Taylor’s voice sounded like another tramp to me.” Stacy looks at Tamika, grins and says, “If you leave nail polish on my desk, you’re fired,” closing the door behind him. Stacy catches a cab to Reagan National Airport to rent a car. Walking through the airport, Stacy sees a big-breasted redhead in an airline uniform that’s so tight it looks like it has been painted on. She walks up to Stacy, smacks him on the jaw and says, “You left me in a hotel room in San Francisco after you got what you wanted, you womanizing bastard.” As she walks off, swinging herself back and forth, Stacy strokes his jaw from left to right with his left hand and says to himself, “I was coming back. There go my frequent flyer miles.” An old couple, waiting on their flight, sees the whole thing. The old

man smiles at Stacy, while the woman looks at him as if to say, you dog. Stacy walks away, still moving his jaw. Stacy drives up to Mrs. Fine Taylor’s estate and sees a black 1930 Rolls Royce parked out front. He gets out and rings the door bell. The door opens and someone who looks like he might be a body guard asks, “Can I help you?” Stacy says, “I’m Stacy, here to see Mrs. Fine Taylor.” The big man says, “Follow me,” and they walk up the stairs, Stacy looking at all the expensive furniture and paintings on the wall. They stop at a door, and when the big man knocks, a soft, sexy voice says, “Come in, the door’s open.” Mrs. Taylor, blonde hair, green eyes, is standing in front of a big mirror, getting her portrait painted in her birthday suit. Mr. Stacy says “My, my, you are handsome.” Mrs. Taylor asks Stacy, ”Do you care for a drink?” Stacy says, “No, I don’t drink.” Then she offers a cigarette. Stacy says “No, I don’t smoke.” Mrs. Fine Taylor looks at the big man and says, “That will be all, Mitch.” Mitch says, “Yes, Madam,” and turns and walks out of the door, closing it behind him. Mrs. Fine Taylor looks at her painter and said, “That will be all for today, Mario.” Mario gets up and says, ”Yes, Madam” as he walks out of the door, closing it behind him, leaving all of his paint and brushes there. Mrs. Fine Taylor turns and looks at herself in the mirror and puts her hands on her peaches, holding them up. She asks Stacy, “Do you think they need lifting?” She slowly walks up to Stacy, still holding them. She looks him in the eyes and asks, “May I see your hands, Mr. Stacy?” Stacy holds out his hands and she puts them on her waist, slowly moving them down her thigh to her rumble seat, squeezing his hands, asking, “Is my seat still firm?” Stacy moves his hands up slowly to her peaches, squeezing his hands and rotating them. Stacy’s thoughts were: not bad for an old broad. Before Stacy can answer, the door opens. Mrs. Fine Taylor’s daughter walks in, looking at them and says, “Mother!” Mrs. Taylor walks away from Stacy to a chair that has her robe on it and puts it on. She looks at her daughter and says, “I wish you would learn to knock.” To be continued ... Ivory has been a vendor for two and a half years and was raised on a ranch in Texas where he learned to break horses. He is working on publishing his next fiction book.

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Will write for food: Writer’s Group

May 27 - June 9, 2009

Writer’s Group meets Wednesdays 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Street Sense office. A poetry after party is 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

POETRY + THE ARTS

WATER LIFE GIVING WATER By Reginald Black Taste so good the feeling is great feeling so good I down a thousand plates it’s like my taste buds have been let out of a gate the flavor so strong it penetrates I demonstrate bein warm still the taste lingers on my tongue I’m full loaded like a gun white like water life giving water the fluid of our being hydration just another goal of this human being chills again as I look down shudders as the wind blows all around heading somewhere I’m not sure a feeling in my heart it’s not pure a sickness I can’t cure water life giving water support us so water life giving water don’t let us go low that’s what I was wishing that’s what I was praying but water life giving water me you have forsaken many a life you have taken now don’t get me wrong about water I’m talkin bout her daughter gin

Reggie’s Reflections:HeartBroken By Reginald Black My lowest point it had to be. I was without work and basically living on food stamps. My net interest was MIA – it was like she disappeared off the face of the earth. Being used and ridiculed didn’t do my mental state any good; I was stressed. Days were long and the nights agony. I would fall asleep thinking I was home and wake up to the same nightmare. The chat room became a hostile place. It seemed like I got into web fights every single day. I didn’t know what to expect next. I prayed and prayed but she didn’t return. Others told me to give up. How could I though? She had given signals that I wanted greatly to explore. I just couldn’t give up, I held every single hope hostage because she seemingly acted shy. Why me? I wondered again. Being homeless weighed on my heart. Was that the reason I was alone? If so would having somewhere to stay change that? In the meantime what should I do for companionship? I didn’t have the answers but the questions kept piling up. Reggie cohosts the Writer’s Group. Contact: roninworrior@yahoo.com

Reggie helps with layout. See “Reggie’s Reflections” for contact information.

Mother Edith May Memorial Days By Robert Warren May brings a seed, the bloom of a mother’s love for a child. May’s memorial days of flowers, of love for grandmothers soldiering on to another bloom of life – my mother Edith, grandmother will we remember these days of May? Yes, May is for fathers, sons, and daughters too. For a mother’s love, mother’s days of memorial days, we think of those who would serve with love of us. With God’s blessing of flowers of May mother’s memorial days and May flowers, only May can bloom, yes May, we love mothers Edith, Earth bloom of May memorial days to those who would serve with love of God and country. May they find peace in that bloom of life when every day may be a May day. Robert is a vendor and advocate. Contact: robertwarren47@yahoo.com.

It’s Hard to Paint a Picture

By Sean-Christopher Riley A picture is worth a thousand words, as we all know. And it takes a picture,sometimes, to communicate beauty, shock or even the grotesque. Love is a universal language expressed through more than words. We see it in a picture of two seniors on a park bench holding hands and smooching, with a balloon stating “Happy 50th Anniversary!” ... a slow song, mellow in content and soothing, with a chorus that expresses everlasting companionship ... a soft caress, a pat on the back, a silent kiss blown in your direction, a smile that lasts until the next time you see that person ... .Without poetry and art, expression of one’s heartfelt intentions may only come across as honorable mentions. When it comes to actions and reactions, and how we express our inner feelings, sometimes it is hard to put into words. Visual aids are needed to have certain thoughts completed - mushy gushy overflowing like a flooded river, icy cold with wind chills guaranteed to make you shiver, three hours later half-asleep sentences being spoken in tones considered whispers before we hang up ... what exactly ... it’s hard to paint a picture without art and poetry! Sean is new to the Writer’s Group. Contact: sean.riley@rocketmail.com.

The Scope The End of May, the Beginning of Something Big By Carlton Johnson

The month of May is nearing its end ... Another’s to come but remember, today is your special day, so spoiling yourself is a must for one and for all. And remember that one must keep one’s Street Sense of humor in these days when faced with hard times. Look within for the answers – the answer just may be doing something new and different, and not following the norm. Think about the business you always wanted for yourself. It’s time to take charge of your life, and not spend your time waiting for something to come your way. Go forth and get it for yourself! And remember to stay on top of your game, or the game will be on top of you!

PRODUCTION, HOSTING, LAYOUT AND SUPPORT: Cara Schmidt,Carlton Johnson,David Hammond,Patty Smith, Reginald Black

S treetS ense.org

May 27 - June 9, 2009

Lack Is Not an Emotion Pert young office folk push past my perch “No cash, sorry, no cash…” So what do you live on, mouths full of munched plastic? Tote laptops swinging from big Bags, made & designed by Gucci, Valentino, L. Vuitton or Kate Spade? Your insouciant, indifferent pout Does it show me you have Got it made? And I am not even homeless.[Anymore]. Nonetheless, As I “lounge” upon a hard bench in Franklin’s park/ Amid(st) the A.M. rush Is hardly a lark/ For a ‘citizen’ who looks to be Culled from the herd, Who appears not to complain, with nary a word. Not that you’d see I’m silently disabled, so Maybe I might possess nerve enough, Big Nerve enough To call back at you prosperous you ones (Who have utterly no idea How lucky you are), And say it loud enough, tough enough that you’ll hear what I’m saying As you pass me by yet again,

“Aren’t you happy you have paid OFF THAT MORTGAGE,” Grateful for your sporty little MGB convertible with all the extras, Nice bright togs and such, Paid vacation, fine dining, plump kids Cared for by the most trusted of nannies; So MUCH of everything that’s good and nice; So Much, and yet You flip me a dime or a dollar, Maybe You expect me to holler, Back to you, ‘Oh how happy am I, for money and comfort means little In my miserable little existence!” Then you might, if you’re feeling especially mean and lean, Yell back at me, OH WHY DON’T YOU GO OUT AND GET A JOB!!! And you know what? Mr. and Ms. Office Person with the nice position and salary, Ordering myself (whom you scarcely know) to simply “Go get a damn JOB!!!” Maybe, just maybe, I can’t go do that… - Street haiku and pictures by J Chris “Sky Eagle Bear” Shaw.

Chris has been a vendor for two months and plays guitar in a band called Whale Etoufee.

S treetS ense.org

May 27 - June 9, 2009

By Jane Cave

Loving Alley Cats I have a home, darling, just as long as I'm with you, I have a home. People come and go like the seasons, but through it all I find you there. When times are hard, even dangerous freezing, I make it through â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;cause I have you to turn to. I have a home, darling, just as long as I'm with you, I have a home. Building renovated, we were torn apart, I was hoping you would hear my cries, then a happy ending. You came running back, we were reunited that cold night. Cuando yo estoy contigo siento que tengo un hogar, mi vida, querida mi cielo, corazon, I have a home, darling, just as long as I'm with you, I have a home. by Greg Phillips This is a song about the homeless cats I care for - their love for one another. Sometimes I take my guitar out and sing it to them -- Greg Phillips, Street Sense Vendor 220

Mothor Dead

Summer 1993 In words to mak mone, the airs totorn, dusks cume coolless, so few renas bide. The sune is ferse, but wund and dried. When thyus hole iss ate least remedied ur cildru wyll be owlde (who are born.)

Middle English Verse by Franklin Sterling

Kind embe the clouds to oftor storm, mad ignorant of eyes unrequired. A wind vired. Speaces hired, uppe wes thy hard to blawe nyhtis and drawe dag off. Eac wawe payeth to kind.

S treetS ense.org

May 27 - June 9, 2009

Bad Poetry At times like these I recall Mamet’s “House of Games” in which psychiatrist/novelist Lindsay Crouse, finally tiring of grifter/tormentor Joe Mantegna, Shoots him But while taking the slug, does he cry out “Oh my God”, grunt something unintelligible, scream? Does he widen his mouth into an oval of shock emitting only silence? Or does he, like an actual Old West outlaw upon being drilled by the local lawman, and in the process of crumpling over on his face in the frontier dust, utter “Stop firing—you’ve killed me”? Not even close. What Joe yells out is: -- Lemme have another one! -I used to admire his bravado, But now I feel Lindsay’s weariness. When I protested that I refuse to inflict any more bad poetry on the world, you dared me. Now it’s not just you who has to suffer Truth be told, it’s also me You knew this.

Photo courtesy of www.upstartfilmcollective.com

Still you went ahead & initiated this fiasco for reasons known only to you; pressing me, persisting. “Go ahead, do it anyway,” you slurred perversely, face twisted with the pain of all the mawkish pap already endured “Maybe you’ll get lucky. Shoot me another one,” you blurted, making me ponder the true nature of our relationship. Yet I will put aside such disquieting implications & shoot another bad poem to you. In a way I’m forever in your debt for enabling me to keep propping up my gossamer adjectives & dappled, grandiose constructions & the walking dead clichés -- Don’t you love it when I use words like “gossamer” & “dappled”? I wonder what they mean -Clearly intervention is called for. Dispatch a trusted cadre of creative writing experts to anesthetize my strangled clot of sloppy metaphors & make ready the vivisection. Send in a seasoned S.W.A.T. team of literary illuminati to put me down in the pasture along with the other delusional hacks scattered among the carcasses of once proud horses who had forgotten they’d become lame -- all of us stinking up the place just as we’d been doing while alive -Please stop me before I shoot again.

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April 27, 2009 April 30, 2009 May 4, 2009 May 5, 2009 May 6, 2009 May 8, 2009 May 15, 2009 May 18, 2009 May 20, 2009 -By DeRutter Jones

DeRutter has been a vendor for two years and worked as a film and radio editor for more than two decades.

S treetS ense.org WASHINGTON, D.C. SHELTER Calvary Women’s Services 928 5th Street, NW (202) 783–6651 www.calvaryservices.org Central Union Mission (Men) 1350 R Street, NW (202) 745–7118 www.missiondc.org CCNV (Men and Women) 425 2nd Street, NW (202) 393–1909 users.erols.com/ccnv/ Community of Hope (Family) 1413 Girard Street, NW (202) 232–7356 www.communityofhopedc.org Covenant House Washington (Youth) 2001 Mississippi Ave SE (202) 610–9600 www.covenanthousedc.org Housing, education, job prep Gospel Rescue Ministries (Men) 810 5th Street, NW (202) 842–1731 www.grm.org John Young Center (Women) 117 D Street, NW (202) 639–8469 www,catholiccharitiesdc.org My Sister’s Place PO Box 29596 Washington, DC 20017 office (202) 529-5261 24-hour hotline (202)-529-5991 shelter and other services for domestic violence victims N Street Village (Women) 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060 www.nstreetvillage.org 801 East, St. Elizabeths Hospital (Men) 2700 MLK Avenue, SE (202) 561–4014 New York Ave Shelter (Men) 1355–57 New York Avenue, NE (202) 832–2359 Open Door Shelter (Women) 425 Mitch Snyder Place, NW (202) 639–8093

FOOD Charlie’s Place 1830 Connecticut Avenue, NW (202) 232–3066 www.stmargaretsdc.org/charliesplace Church of the Pilgrims 2201 P Street, NW (202) 387–6612

May 27 - June 9, 2009 www.churchofthepilgrims.org Thrive D.C. AND the “9:30 Club” Breakfast 309 E Street, NW (202) 737–9311 www.thrivedc.org Food and Friends 219 Riggs Road, NE (202) 269–2277 www.foodandfriends.org Miriam’s Kitchen 2401 Virginia Avenue, NW (202) 452–8089 www.miriamskitchen.org The Welcome Table Church of the Epiphany 1317 G Street, NW (202) 347–2635 http://www.epiphanydc.org/ ministry/welcometbl.htm

MEDICAL RESOURCES Christ House 1717 Columbia Road, NW (202) 328–1100 www.christhouse.org Unity Health Care, Inc. 3020 14th Street, NW (202) 745–4300 www.unityhealthcare.org Whitman–Walker Clinic 1407 S Street, NW (202) 797–3500; www.wwc.org

OUTREACH CENTERS Bread for the City 1525 Seventh Street, NW (202) 265–2400 AND 1640 Good Hope Road, SE (202) 561–8587 www.breadforthecity.org food pantry, clothing, legal and social services, medical clinic Community Council for the Homeless at Friendship Place 4713 Wisconsin Avenue NW (202) 364–1419; www.cchfp.org housing, medical and psych care, substance abuse and job counseling Bethany Women’s Center 1333 N Street, NW (202) 939–2060 http://www.nstreetvillage.org meals, hygiene, laundry, social activities, substance abuse treatment Father McKenna Center 19 Eye Street, NW (202) 842–1112 Green Door (202) 464–9200 1221 Taylor Street NW www.greendoor.org housing, job training, supportive mental health services

Friendship House 619 D Street, SE (202) 675–9050 www.friendshiphouse.net counseling, mentoring, education, youth services, clothing Georgetown Ministry Center 1041 Wisconsin Avenue, NW (202) 338–8301 www.georgetownministrycenter. org laundry, counseling, psych care Martha’s Table 2114 14th Street, NW (202) 328–6608 www.marthastable.org dinner, education, recreation, clothing, child and family services Rachel’s Women’s Center 1222 11th Street, NW (202) 682–1005 http://www.ccdsd.org/howorwc. php hygiene, laundry, lunch, phone and mail, clothing, social events Sasha Bruce Youthwork 741 8th Street, SE (202) 675–9340 www.sashabruce.org counseling, housing, family services So Others Might Eat (SOME) 71 “O” Street, NW (202) 797–8806; www.some.org lunch, medical and dental, job and housing counseling

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Academy of Hope GED Center 601 Edgewood St NE 202-269-6623 www.aohdc.org Bright Beginnings Inc. 128 M Street NW, Suite 150 Washington DC 20001 (202) 842–9090 www.brightbeginningsinc.org Child care, family services Catholic Community Services 924 G Street, NW (202) 772–4300 www.ccs–dc.org umbrella for a variety of services D.C. Coalition for the Homeless 1234 Massachusetts Avenue, NW (202) 347–8870; www.dccfh.org housing, substance abuse treatment, employment assistance DC Food Finder Interactive online map of free and low cost resources. www.dcfoodfinder.org Community Family Life Services 305 E Street, NW (202) 347–0511 www.cflsdc.org

housing, job and substance abuse counseling, clothes closet Foundry Methodist Church 1500 16th Street, NW (202) 332–4010 www.foundryumc.org ESL, lunch, clothing, IDs Hermano Pedro Day Center 3211 Sacred Heart Way, NW (202) 332–2874 http://www.ccs–dc.org/find/ services/ meals, hygiene, laundry, clothing JHP, Inc. 1526 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE (202) 544–9126 www.jobshavepriority.org training and employment Jubilee Jobs 1640 Columbia Road, NW (202) 667–8970 www.jubileejobs.org job preparation and placement National Coalition for the Homeless 2201 P Street, NW (202) 462–4822 www.nationalhomeless.org activists, speakers bureau National Student Partnerships (NSP) 128 M Street NW, Suite 320 (202) 289–2525 washingtondc@nspnet.org Job resource and referral agency Samaritan Ministry 1345 U Street, SE , AND 1516 Hamilton Street, NW (202)889–7702 www.samaritanministry.org HIV support, employment, drug/ alcohol addiction, healthcare St. Luke’s Episcopal Church 1514 15th Street, NW (202) 667–4394 http://stlukesdc.edow.org food, counseling St. Matthew’s Cathedral 1725 Rhode Island Avenue, NW (202) 347–3215 ext. 552 breakfast, clothing, hygiene Travelers Aid, Union Station 50 Mass. Avenue, NE (202) 371–1937 www.travelersaid.org/ta/ dc.html emergency travel assistance Wash. Legal Clinic for the Homeless 1200 U Street, NW (202) 328–5500 www.legalclinic.org

MARYLAND

SHELTER Comm. Ministry of Montgomery Co. 114 W. Montgomery Avenue, Rockville (301) 762–8682 www.communityministrymc. org The Samaritan Group P.O. Box 934, Chestertown (443) 480–3564 Warm Night Shelter 311 68th Place, Seat Pleasant (301) 499–2319 www.cmpgc.org

FOOD Bethesda Cares 7728 Woodmont Church, Bethesda (301) 907–9244 www.bethesdacares.com Community Place Café 311 68th Place, Seat Pleasant (301) 499–2319 www.cmpgc.org

SHELTER Alexandria Community Shelter 2355 B Mill Road, Alexandria (703) 838–4239 Carpenter’s Shelter 930 N. Henry Street, Alexandria (703) 548–7500 www.carpentersshelter.org Arlington–Alexandria Coalition for the Homeless 3103 Ninth Road North, Arlington (703) 525–7177 www.aachhomeless.org

FOOD Alive, Inc. 2723 King Street, Alexandria (703) 836–2723; www.alive–inc. org Our Daily Bread 10777 Main Street, Ste. 320, Fairfax (703) 273–8829 www.our–daily–bread.org

MEDICAL RESOURCES

Manna Food Center 614–618 Lofstrand Lane, Rockville (301) 424–1130 www.mannafood.org

Arlington Free Clinic 3833 N Fairfax Drive, #400, Arlington (703) 979–1400 www.arlingtonfreeclinic.org

MEDICAL RESOURCES

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Community Clinic, Inc. 8210 Colonial Lane, ilver Spring (301) 585–1250 www.cciweb.org

Abundant Life Christian Outreach, 5154 Eisenhower Avenue, Alexandria (703) 823–4100 www.anchor–of–hope.net food, clothing, youth development, and medicines

Mobile Medical Care, Inc. 9309 Old Georgetown Road, Bethesda (301) 493–8553 www.mobilemedicalcare.org

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Catholic Charities, Maryland 12247 Georgia Avenue, Silver Spring (301) 942–1790 www.catholiccharitiesdc.org shelter, substance abuse treatment, variety of other services Mission of Love 6180 Old Central Avenue Capitol Heights (301)333–4440 www.molinc.org life skills classes, clothing, housewares Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless 600–B East Gude Dri Rockville (301) 217–0314; www.mcch.net emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportiveservices

VIRGINIA

David’s Place Day Shelter 930 North Henry Street, Alexandria (703) 548–7500 www.carpentersshelter.org laundry, shower, workshops, hypothermia shelter Legal Services of Northern Virginia 6066 Leesburg Pike, Ste. 500 (703) 778–6800; www.lsnv.org civil legal services

Shelter Hotline: 1–800– 535–7252

S treetS ense.org

May 27 - June 9, 2009

Chris Shaw

VENDOR PROFILE THe Last Word

The Art of Staying Sober By Tommy Bennett

My name is Tommy Bennett. I have been a vendor for Street Sense for five years, and today, I can proudly say that I have been clean and sober for six years. I began my journey to recovery on May 27, 2003 after roughly 25 years of addiction to drugs and alcohol. My recovery began when I had the opportunity to spend a year in an after-care outpatient rehabilitation program. Around the same time that I got clean, I began vending papers for Street Sense. This opportunity, combined with the support and tough love I get from my friends (especially Christina), has helped me to keep positive and stay sober. I am an alumnus of NA (Narcotics Anonymous) and am on my way to earning my high school GED. I plan to become a drug counselor and hopefully, by God’s grace, He will lead me and give me the strength to guide someone else who wants help. I want to give back and help other people get to where I am. Being sober is sometimes hard, but I have to do what I’ve got to do to always keep myself with my sobriety. By God’s grace, he gives me the strength to go on. I have learned to reject the life I had and the things I used to do. I live at the 801 Shelter and I see a lot of people doing what they’re doing, what they’ve always done, but I have found I don’t have to do what they do. I can’t let what they do bother me. I learned, though, that it’s easier for them to lead me in than it is for me to lead them out. That’s why the people who I used to call my friends, I now call my associates. I would tell anyone who wants to get sober that if you want what I’ve got, it’s simple: you have to change the people, the places, and things – the people you hang out with, the places you hang out, and the stuff you do. I should get housing soon, and this time, when I get it, I’ll know how to avoid those people, places and things. Even though I’ve been in some trouble since getting clean, I still didn’t have to use to get through what I went through; I just went through it. I learned what my sponsor says is true: “You go through it, and tomorrow will be different. You’ll see stuff, and it’ll make you stronger.” I can’t take my sobriety for granted. People like me, we have to remember where we came from, where we’ve been, and what we’ve done. The hardest part of sobriety was the beginning, but you never give up on trying for what you want. Sometimes you bump your head, but you have to keep going. For six years, God has given me the strength and the will to keep me sober and keep me focused on what I’ve got to do. If I don’t bother it then it don’t bother me.

Chris Shaw was born on January 17, 1953 in Washington, DC. He graduated from Walt Whitman High School, in Bethesda, Md. After high school, he took college courses at Montgomery College and George Washington University. In the pursuit of becoming an actor, Chris soon left D.C. for New York City. He had a successful acting career for nine years. Into the 1980s the entertainment business declined and Chris lost both of his parents. These changes led him to a life of alcoholism and he moved back to D.C. spending nights in shelters and on the street. In 1992, Chris became sober through the Georgetown AA Ministries “and never left.” Currently, he plays the guitar for a New Orleans Blues Band and is a freelance writer. Chris has been selling Street Sense since March of this year. What is your favorite food? Sushi. What is your favorite movie? No Country for Old Men. What do you like about selling Street Sense? It’s fun meeting people from different countries and assisting tourists with directions.