by Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C.
Member since:
January 8, 2007

Homeless No More - 100 WORD STORIES WEEK 15 – CHALLENGE

May 21, 2008 10:40 PM EDT (Updated: May 26, 2008 09:36 AM EDT)
views: 128 | comments: 82
  Back to the 100 Word Challenge . . . with our new theme:  "One Whole Year"

As always . . . EXACTLY 100 words, not one word more and not one word less.

____________________________________________________________________

 

The sheets of rain were coming down now, just as they had in the jungles of Vietnam.  The hollow roll of distant thunder didn't frighten him any more.  The clap of lightning didn't illuminate the inside of the damp box in which he had taken shelter.  The alley dumpster's large plastic lid, flipped open, provided some waterproofing (usually it was locked shut).

His sign tucked safely inside, so the letters wouldn't run, he had retired for the night and waited for the next day's abuse and rewards he'd get from begging.  Tomorrow would be one whole year.  It never came.

____________________________________________________________________

© Doyle D. Chastain I, 2oo8
link to this page
Bookmark this post:
Facebook
Twitter
Delicious
Buzz
More

Comments: 82

Wanda H. May 21, 2008, 10:54pm EDT
Oh, so much story and sadness in so few words. You are good at this! Very good drabble.
Tiffany G. May 21, 2008, 11:00pm EDT
thanks for sharing Doyle!
Parul S. May 21, 2008, 11:06pm EDT
There is a loud scream almost defeaning, in your so real, so true words.....as i read this i wonder, here I am reading this drabble while this may be true for someone out there and I shiver...thank God for all the blessings and pray for those who need more...
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 21, 2008, 11:08pm EDT
Well yhanks VERY much! :)

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
sharon SugarMomma is a wise woman, May 21, 2008, 11:17pm EDT
Intense Doyle.
Alison Pearce May 21, 2008, 11:42pm EDT
Excellent drabble
Kay M. May 22, 2008, 12:10am EDT
So sad but an excellent drabble.
Donna Hammett-Tooker May 22, 2008, 12:12am EDT
This prompt has elicited more diversity than any other I think. Yours was very realistic, Doyle.
Bhawana 'Gather Proud Mom' May 22, 2008, 12:38am EDT
This was an amazing take.
lynn a. May 22, 2008, 12:49am EDT
Doyle, You have certainly honored the veterans by doing this. It is so unfair that this happens. ANd it does all the time. Yet every time there is a new expose about housing or hospital care or whatever the topic, the official who makes the statement(s) always implies they did not know. Of course, they know, they just won't admit it. This should not happen to anyone, and veterans paid their dues, and deserve whatever it takes to take care of them. I hope this does a lot of good for veterans.
Carol Lloyd May 22, 2008, 2:03am EDT
thanks for sharing Doyle
Jean, just the teensiest bit odd, F. May 22, 2008, 3:26am EDT
You GO, guy!
Anita R. May 22, 2008, 5:16am EDT
Doyle, this breaks my heart. So well-written that it's painful!
June B. May 22, 2008, 8:50am EDT
Sad but true Doyle. Sometimes I wonder, had my brother made it home from Vietnam, would he have been lost in the sea of rejects?
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 22, 2008, 9:32am EDT
Thank you very much Sharon, Alison & Kay!

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 22, 2008, 9:33am EDT
Thanks Donna . . . that's a GOOD thing, no?
Thanks Bhawana & Carol!

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Ooooh. Ouch. Very good, Doyle.
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 22, 2008, 9:42am EDT
Lynn . . . thank you very much. I have more veterans in my family than any other mperson I have ever met. It seems to me, after some things recently, that these people would be proud of me for my stance. Some would not. McCain votes against education benefits for veterans while claiming to support them . . . Bush uses them for reasons not directly related to National Security, while paying mercenaries more, attempting to cut combat pay, discharging PTSD veterans and costing them their benefits, not to mention privatizing PARTS of the VA . . . which worked out so well at Walter Reed . . . so much . . . from people who "support" veterans by pinning the 'made in China' American flag to their lapel. I honor the veterans by REAL support . . . refusing to allow them to be used for any reason less than 100% related to Nation Security without speaking out . . . and by speaking out whenever I see them NOT being taken care of after their sacrifices!

I very much appreciate your comment and support!

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 22, 2008, 9:43am EDT
Thanks Jean, Anita & Sukey!

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Doug M. May 22, 2008, 9:54am EDT
Doyle,

Very powerful piece of writing. It speaks about much more than meets the eye.

We Americans are not so good at caring for the less fortunate. Our society was founded on lofty principals that we are proud of, but in our quest for the good life many are neglected. Your 100 words are a reminder of those principals.
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 22, 2008, 9:58am EDT
Thanks Judi & Ina

Sorry to hear your brother was one of the 60,000 casualties of Vietnam. My Father and his brother did their tours as well although they both came back. Four of five Uncles of my father were lost in WW II . . . . Uncle Doyle, the sole survivor was 120% disabled after stepping on a Bouncing Betty Land mine during the Battle of the Bulge. I don't think some people realize how far ranging the effect of even one casualty can reach . . . but we do. We also know that using these troops for anything LESS than Nation Security is completely unethical . . . and dispicable. Sacrifices don't just come from the boys (and girls) in the field . . . they come from the people who care about them too. Thanks for your comment!

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 22, 2008, 10:00am EDT
Thanks Doug . . . if we can't take care of the less fortunate it bodes poorly for us. If we can't take care of the people from whom so much is asked . . . then it's disgraceful.

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Julie (there will always be a rainbow) G. May 22, 2008, 10:03am EDT
I hate when such sadness is also so realistic... you did a great job of making me care in a minimal number of words and amount of time.
penni d. May 22, 2008, 10:05am EDT
This was sad, doyle, but if it brings just One person to the awareness of 'thrown away" people...and gives them a sense that they can help in some small way??
Last year i got cited by the county for allowing 5 souls to take up quarters in my back yard...the powers that be would rather these folk live under the overpass than be safe, clean, and fed on private property..ARGGGG!!!
Becky Powell May 22, 2008, 10:07am EDT
Doyle, your photo adds so much to your story, and it is so surreal and dreamy. Very powerful words. Great job!
Very powerfull
and so realistic. being of the era it brought so many memorys back fresh into my thoughts for the day.
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 22, 2008, 11:25am EDT
Thank very much Julie & Reena! :)

A shame, is it not Penni?

Thanks Becky . . . the photo original (as cited) has been worked extensively for effect. I appreciate the comment!

"being of the era it brought so many memorys back fresh into my thoughts for the day. "
Actually . . . I lived through that too . . . but this is as true today (if not more so) as it was before.

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Cassandra A. May 22, 2008, 11:55am EDT
Oh, this is so sad. Excellent drabble!
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 22, 2008, 11:57am EDT
Thank you Cassandra!

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Scott Newton May 22, 2008, 12:00pm EDT
The folding of the sign made it so authentic and was like closing a book too. Very well done!
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 22, 2008, 12:07pm EDT
Thanks Scott!

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Donald M. May 22, 2008, 12:20pm EDT
Doyle the drabble was awesome. We have the pictures of the tents, I dont know how to spell it but Donald calls it hootches, I guess temporary houses. Probably mispelled. So many came back with health problems. The Vietnam soilders didnt even get to enlist , they were drafted So were both of my brothers. One fought on the front lines but the other was stationed in another country. I guess they had some rule about it. My son was in Dessert Storm and Uncles in Korean war. When will it even end?
I think you should do a continuation of your story. It was excellent.
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 22, 2008, 12:30pm EDT
Thanks very much Donald. My father and his brother served in the Vietnam War. One of my father's five Uncles was killed in Korea, three others were killed in WW II . . . the last, sole survivor being my Uncle Doyle who came back from WW II without a leg. It's bad enough to not give the attention where needed to those forced into service . . . but it's still incomprehensible to me that those that volunteer are also ignored once their service has been collected. My son has also served in Iraq and Afghanistan. I detest war when needed and have ZERO patience for it if I think it is superflous or anything at all less than 100% necessary or before all other options have been attempted.

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Vicky Duggins May 22, 2008, 12:48pm EDT
Excellent, and right here at Memorial Day. Bravo.
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 22, 2008, 1:30pm EDT
Thanks Vicky . . . it's seldom overlooked and always on our minds in my family. :)

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 22, 2008, 2:48pm EDT
Thanks Tinch . . . maybe I should do a happy drabble next? Hmmm . . . or sinister? (We'll see)! :)

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Stephanie B. May 22, 2008, 2:54pm EDT
Drabbles can often be very effective, very powerful. This one certainly was. Excellent job, Doyle.
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 22, 2008, 2:55pm EDT
Well . . . Thank you very much Steph!! :)

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Donald M. May 22, 2008, 3:20pm EDT
Actually Doyle, I think you have a winner. Not just a story, a truth that needs telling.
Tracey W. May 22, 2008, 5:08pm EDT
sad, powerful. Well done drabble. You've packed a lot of memories, images, and emotion in those 100 words.
Mary (diet dr pepper junkie) T. May 22, 2008, 5:26pm EDT
very good drabble, Doyle...
Digital Diva S. May 22, 2008, 5:32pm EDT
Thanks for posting this to BEST ORIGINAL PHOTOS, ART AND WRITING FOR 2008.
Pat M. May 22, 2008, 8:09pm EDT
Dark and brooding. Well done Doyle.
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 22, 2008, 8:43pm EDT
Thanks Donald . . . it's told a lot. It needs to be heard! ;)

Thanks Tracey, Mary & Marilyn!

Ooooh . . . I agree Tinch . . . seems to be something that comes more naturally to me!

Thanks Pat!

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Aniko   May 22, 2008, 9:03pm EDT
This is excellent, Doyle. Too sad but great.
Sheila Deeth May 22, 2008, 9:29pm EDT
Wow. Powerful sad tale well-told.
Jan S. May 22, 2008, 9:31pm EDT
Outstanding drabble! You've exposed such raw emotion in so few words. 10 from me!
Marge H. May 22, 2008, 9:51pm EDT
A very timely, sad, and well written drabble!
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 23, 2008, 9:22am EDT
Thanks very much Sheila, Jan & Marge! :)

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
elizabeth e. May 23, 2008, 6:32pm EDT
Wow...this was quite powerful.
Member Photog May 23, 2008, 9:23pm EDT
the sad reality that many turn a blind eye and deaf ear to.....you walk your talk,my friend and keep it REAL with your words....Bravo,bay bay!

peace, bay bay 2
Ruthe M. May 23, 2008, 9:58pm EDT
Very powerful and telling drabble, Doyle. It spoke volumes, while touching the soul.
Pat M. May 24, 2008, 9:15am EDT
Good on ya Doyle. Congratulations.
penni d. May 24, 2008, 9:53am EDT
congrats!
Donald M. May 24, 2008, 11:54am EDT
Congratulations on your win. I had no doubt about your story being one of the best. This story is right at the correct time to be told. It should be hollered from the roof tops and screamed in front of the proper officals until some turns up their hearing aids and actually listens.
lynn a. May 24, 2008, 2:21pm EDT
Congratulations, Doyle. You deserved it. This story tore me up because I know it was true for so many.
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 24, 2008, 2:40pm EDT
Thank you VERY much everyone . . . very much. Hat's off to the people who have dedicated their lives to keeping this nation safe . . . and turn your back and scream to the World about the filthy vermin that do not use them in ANY way as they were intended . . . to defend this Nation from threats!

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Kay M. May 24, 2008, 3:01pm EDT
Congrats Doyle!
Marge H. May 24, 2008, 5:01pm EDT
Congratulations, Doyle!
Alison Pearce May 24, 2008, 5:22pm EDT
Congrats Doyle!!
Tracey W. May 24, 2008, 6:16pm EDT
Congrats, Congrats!!! Excellent drabble Doyle.
Lucky Stars May 24, 2008, 8:41pm EDT
Congrat, Doyle.
This was a wonderful, albeit sad, drabble.
Thanks for bringing the Veterans plight to other's attention. I'm aware of it and it's a disgrace. This is a well-timed piece.

Sorry I've not been around much. :-)
Heather W. May 24, 2008, 8:49pm EDT
Doyle, this is so real it hurts. It absolutely kills me to see crack head drug dealers being put up in public housing, given food stamps and free medical. ..while people who have gave their lives, their bodies, and their minds for this country to be thrown away like trash.

This should be made into a commercial for a program that helps homeless veterans.
Ruthe M. May 24, 2008, 9:55pm EDT
Congratulations, Doyle!
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 25, 2008, 9:59am EDT
Once again, thanks very much to all. The response to this article has been overwhelming to me . . . it gives some credence to my contention that people are basically good at heart.

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Bhawana 'Gather Proud Mom' May 25, 2008, 2:49pm EDT
congrats!!!

this was the most powerful entry
Sheila Deeth May 25, 2008, 2:58pm EDT
Congratulations! This one was great.
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 25, 2008, 4:50pm EDT
Thanks Bhawana & Sheila!

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
necee t. May 25, 2008, 6:05pm EDT
wow, i have no words... Congrats...
Doyle ( IS SOOO 7 for 7 soon... ) C. May 26, 2008, 9:10am EDT
Thanks necee . . . :)

Regards,
Doyle I <~~~~~
Becky Powell May 27, 2008, 9:25am EDT
Congratulations, Doyle. Wonderful story!
Lyn Owen May 28, 2008, 3:39am EDT
Excellent. Congratulations
Rose H. May 28, 2008, 10:03pm EDT
Congrats - expertly told story of disgrace and in-humanity, for shame US of A.

Join the Conversation
Chime in! Become a Gather member to comment.
Already a member? Sign in
top
 
Gather | Friends | Groups | Share
About Gather | Engagement Marketing | Make New Friends | Gather Points | Advertise on Gather | Gather Press | Privacy | Terms of Service | Community Guidelines
Books | Celebs | Entertainment | Family | Food | Health | Moms | Money | News | Politics | Spirituality | Sports | Travel | Writing
Version 16961, "Pacino"; Copyright © 2009 Gather Inc. All rights reserved.