What if this Could be Paradise

Author's Note: I wrote this piece because a few days ago, in the writing lab, we had a discussion about winter. All of the people's opinions about winter were the same. "Cold, white, snow, warm house, etc." It went on and on about the same things. But I started thinking, about people who had a different outlook on the winter season, and then I thought. Look at it from the perspective of a homeless person.

Snow, falling from the sky. Blanketing the earth to cover it's barren ground. For some it is one of the most beautiful sights they can see. But those people only think of that because they have a warm, safe house to shelter themselves in. I do not believe they would think the same way if they were put in the life of someone less fortunate... someone homeless.

For most of us, it may be hard to imagine ourselves in a homeless person's shoes. Some of us around the holidays tend to try to ignore the fact that these people are out there. Maybe you don't care, but they are out there. Maybe on of the reasons it may be hard to put ourselves in their position, is because we have always been safe; from snow, rain any force of nature that may be hazardous. It is especially difficult to survive during winter.

Many of us have grown up, thinking that snow, is nothing to be afraid of. But more to be looked at as a way to have fun. As it can be for us who can be safe in it. This is one problem homeless people face in the winter. Most of them have no way to protect themselves from the snow, and cold. They can just huddle with whatever cloths they have on their backs and maybe, if they are lucky... a tattered blanket.

These people are helpless without more fortunate people willing to help. They are cold, and crying to you for help. Even if you can not see them, they have asked you. So next time you give a present to someone who has a safe place to live, think about, what if you gave that money to less fortunate people. What if everyone could have a "happy holiday season." What if this could be paradise for all of us.