Sep 30 2022
Ivan M. Granger – Trinket
Trinket
by Ivan M. Granger
Mother,
you are too practical,
trying to put
this odd lump
to good use.
Melt me down.
Make of me
some golden trinket,
some frivolous, bejeweled thing
to please
your eye.
Hang me
from your ear;
let me rest
against the warm pulse
of your neck.
Go ahead, Mother,
it is just you and I
before the mirror.
I won’t tell
if you want to spin
and laugh
like a girl
to see
this bit of glitter
set off
your smile.
— from Real Thirst: Poetry of the Spiritual Journey, by Ivan M. Granger
/ Image by lois komolafe /
It is the middle of Navratri for my Hindu friends, the nine nights of the Goddess. I thought of one of my own poems to the Divine Mother, Trinket.
Jaya Jagadambe, he Ma Durga
All praise to the Cosmic Mother, Ma Durga!
…
Along with all of the natural beauty of our new home here in Eugene, Oregon, we notice a significant homeless population for a relatively small city. Colorado had its homeless too, but in smaller numbers, and usually panhandling on street corners hoping for drivers to stop and stretch across the passenger seat to hand over a bill through the window.
Here in Eugene, the homeless are more part of the city, more present and somehow more integrated with the city. We no longer notice someone through the windshield as we’re driving by, deciding if we want to slow down and give a couple of dollars or continue on our way. In Eugene, we share the sidewalks, walking by each other downtown. Many have their regular spots, they have their place in the community, they are known, they are still people.
Earlier this week we spoke with a neighbor who is getting rid of some items and she mentioned that she like to donate to individuals, when she can. She knew the name of a homeless person who regularly stands outside the local grocery store, so she took the items directly to him.
We recently noticed an article in the local paper about a homeless man who had died and was much loved in the community for the music he used to play around downtown. An entire article about the passing of a homeless man who was still an important part of the community.
I find that profoundly touching.
Of course, my wife and I are having to recalibrate our comfort levels as well as learn to assess safety differently. Some of the people we encounter are clearly dealing with substance abuse issues. Some have obvious mental health issues (and with social programs having been slashed in this country for decades, often the street is the only place for them). Behaviors can be erratic, unpredictable. Some are people just struggling to regain a foothold in society. Some are carried by a threadbare high while seeking an ever lower bottom to hit.
But they are us. Seeing them in and among the rhythms of this small city reminds me that, regardless of their struggles or rough appearance, they are our brothers and sisters. They are part of my community too.
So how do we interact with these individuals? How do my wife and I judge safety walking through downtown? When do we make eye contact, maybe offer a friendly word, perhaps hand over a dollar, and when is it best to cross to the other side of the street and keep our distance? We’re still figuring that out.
I’m curious what your thoughts and experiences are. What sort of charities do you give to that you think are doing good work with the complex issues of hunger and homelessness? And do you have special ways of interacting with the homeless? I know of one person who used to put together care packs of clean socks, toothbrushes, dry foods, miscellaneous necessities and just kept them with him to hand out. Have you come up with creative ideas to help or meaningful ways to connect?
May the Mother’s love connect us all and care for us all!
Recommended Books: Ivan M. Granger
![]() |
Ivan M. Granger
US (1969 – ) |
Ivan M. Granger is the founder and editor of the Poetry Chaikhana, a publishing house and online resource for sacred poetry from around the world. He is the author of Real Thirst: Poetry of the Spiritual Journey. He is also the editor of The Longing in Between: A Poetry Chaikhana Anthology and This Dance of Bliss: Ecstatic Poetry from Around the World. His poetry and translations have been included in several magazines and anthologies.
Ivan grew up in Oregon and Southern California, and he has lived on the island of Maui and for many years in Colorado. He lives in Oregon with his wife, Michele.
“Poetry has an immediate effect on the mind. The simple act of reading poetry alters thought patterns and the shuttle of the breath. Poetry induces trance. Its words are chant. Its rhythms are drumbeats. Its images become the icons of the inner eye. Poetry is more than a description of the sacred experience; it carries the experience itself.”
==
Poetry Chaikhana readers often ask me about myself. Who is the guy behind all those poetry emails? What drew you to sacred poetry? And just what does “Poetry Chaikhana” mean?
As a way to answer some of those questions, I thought I’d post an audio interview I did a few years ago. I talk a little about myself, and a lot about poetry — the transformational power of poetry, the ways poetry naturally expresses the sacred experience, the non-dogmatic nature of poetry. And I read a few poems.
Click to listen: Interview with Ivan M. Granger
==
Lovely..so touching. Thank you, Rose
I am enjoying your poem! Thanks Ivan
Hi Ivan, I love the simple earnest appeal in your poem today – very lovely.
My tho n terms of connecting with a homeless individual, I guess it is just that – connecting to the individual, and eye contact and questions are more inviting than thinking what on earth am I going to say. Bion the psychologist talks about being with another and listening ‘without memory or desire’. Just being present. And Meher Baba said to give food but not money, as that leaves you with the dilemma of what the money might be spent on whereas food is the food of life, along with connection 💕🙏
A couple of years ago I was on “Next Door”, a social media sight for neighborhoods. There I found people who are directly working with the homeless, and people could donate clothing that would go directly to the homeless, and not to places like Goodwill to be sold. If you have Next Door in your area, I think it is national, you might try to connect with people who have access to the homeless through the site – as they don’t “advertise” so you have to kind of find them through the back door, so-to-speak. I have noticed that a lot of homeless people hang out at local fast food places like McDonald’s. You could always buy them a meal. With regards to giving money, I had a minister tell me – “cast your bread upon the waters” and don’t worry about where it is going – giving without moral strings attached. They are destitute. Granted drug use may be the reason they are on the streets to begin with, but it is not ours to judge. IMHO 🙂 Also churches often have outreach programs to the homeless, which might be safer in terms of personal interaction – going out with a group who goes out to interact with the homeless. Wishing you well in your endeavor to help…
Lump?