In a time of the unhoused when so many have no home other than the street, a park or a frail tent, I find myself in Australia’s largest and richest city - looking as always for the left behind places, the seldom seen, half forgotten interstices of our over constructed world where unexpected things can still be found in the unplanned unprogrammed gaps which sometimes fall between.
Thank you for sharing these Dave. I suspect the patriarchy and capitalism have much to do with war and greed. I would love to see the end to both before my time is up in this life.
Where I live, people were up in arms over housing refugees shouting about 'our own homeless'. Funny how these same people hadn't given a damn about the homeless ever. And of course continue to remain silent.
This is an amazing piece, David and a reminder to look closer.
Your photos and writing work so well! So often it's the juxtaposition of something like the empty huts to the great current need for shelter that highlights the ills of our civilization.
I live in a Canadian city with many homeless, where I admire the local efforts of those who make housing happen and I eschew the efforts of a certain level of government to try to make the homeless disappear. What has struck me is that while the numbers are indeed greatest in cities, people living outside can now be seen in small cities and towns throughout our province. And it doesn't have to be like this!
a mad world.. where so many have empty rooms and empty hearts... and those who serve are left on the streets: The only real enemy is our own ignorance. profound.
Oh and it is, dear Megan - a fact I know you recognised long ago, and went in search of something better. You are a brave soul, and we need more like you.
Our enemy, along with our ignorance is selfishness. The truth is, nobody who has the power to make any sustainable and quantifiable changes cares enough to. We have the same problems here. Thank you for taking us along David and providing your valuable insights alongside the beauty of your experience.
What a moving essay and the photos are so beautiful. I love that those huts are still there and being cared for. I’m in the Bay Area and homelessness is everywhere. We could do so much as a society if we put put money toward helping people, toward healthcare and education, toward caring for those who can’t, who need some assistance to get back on their feet, the elderly. The list goes on. Instead we have a government that creates a 1.8 billion dollar slush fund for the real criminals. Don’t get me started…
It is such a destructive and unnecessary social catastrophe. Yes - we could do so much more.
I intended to write something purely creative about the huts - they are remarkable, in a remarkable location - but the message behind them needed a more direct voice….
And yes - there are other madnesses happening too - in your land and in our own…
Oh, Dave, this just had me let loose some tears. Your addressing it here, in this way, is powerful. It is something any 'body' with a soul can fully feel.
In the U.S.A., we are feeling a surge of the same unhoused population bursting. A societal doing that too many want to keep behind the blinders they wear. We somehow have decided that the most worthy of souls are those carrying enormous bags of wealth and those who are not can not even be afforded shelter, a meal, or kindness (which is FREE). We sure have the money to compensate violence, though, whether in unnecessary wars or to reward horrid behavior like the vandalizing of our Capital. What a state we are all in these days. How I hope we can be aware enough to do what is right. The state of our souls truly depends on it!
Having travelled quite extensively in your country, I have seen this myself.
On my first visit I was shocked by the extent of the need, but now I see my own nation heading the same way.
We can both do so much better…
Here in Oz we found shelter for almost everyone, when Covid came - because then it was seen as a health crisis, and homelessness was perceived as a risk to all.
What we have, of course is a humanity crisis, and an illness of the soul. But they can be cured.
It is indeed the time of the unhoused and we have the same tragic problem in the U.S. Thank you for asking such important questions, taking us into not-so-distant traumatic moments of the past, and exploring the healing notion of safe harbour. So appreciate you Dave!
Friend Stephanie, yes…. We saw this from our first visit to your country, and it was a great shock. Now we see our own nation treading the same path - but it need not be so! Not here, and not in your land either. As nations - and across the world - we can do better.
Australia ranks higher than the USA in terms of citizen “happiness” - but Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden do far better still....
If the purpose of a nation state is to increase the happiness of it’s inhabitants - and it’s hard to argue against that - we are failing, and they are succeeding.
What a beautiful juxtaposition of art and social commentary, Dave. And you are right in the end - many of us, like me, might never visit Australia, but we can travel along with you to these places through your pictures, thoughts, and writing. Thank you for taking us along with you. 💕
Oh! Friend Naz…. My thanks for your kind words - and the restack. I have sat up late writing this, all in a rush, because tomorrow I am busy, so I have no idea how well - or badly - it reads.
I intended to write a poem about the place, or something creative, and maybe I will also do that some time - but every now and then the message I need to convey exceeds that medium…
Oh yes. I am sure the patriarchy and capitalism have Everything to do with war and greed....
Selfishness, and even violence, are at least a capacity within most people - but I do not see them as our natural state.
It requires a pathological social condition to nurture both, and to strengthen both, in a society. We see it around us here. We see extreme exemplars of it in certain individuals - but they are a self perpetuating symptom as much as a cause.
We have to break that cycle, if we are to survive.
Thank you for sharing these Dave. I suspect the patriarchy and capitalism have much to do with war and greed. I would love to see the end to both before my time is up in this life.
Where I live, people were up in arms over housing refugees shouting about 'our own homeless'. Funny how these same people hadn't given a damn about the homeless ever. And of course continue to remain silent.
This is an amazing piece, David and a reminder to look closer.
Thanks my friend.
We have people here doing the same, pushed by politicians looking for an edge, and a scapegoat.
D
Your photos and writing work so well! So often it's the juxtaposition of something like the empty huts to the great current need for shelter that highlights the ills of our civilization.
I live in a Canadian city with many homeless, where I admire the local efforts of those who make housing happen and I eschew the efforts of a certain level of government to try to make the homeless disappear. What has struck me is that while the numbers are indeed greatest in cities, people living outside can now be seen in small cities and towns throughout our province. And it doesn't have to be like this!
One of my poems that has a special place in my heart, in case you haven't seen it, is We Are All No Fixed Address at https://trishpoet.substack.com/p/we-are-all-no-fixed-address
Thank you, dear Trish.
I have just read your wonderful post…
We do need to do better. You already are.
Best Wishes - Dave
a mad world.. where so many have empty rooms and empty hearts... and those who serve are left on the streets: The only real enemy is our own ignorance. profound.
beautiful photos.
Oh and it is, dear Megan - a fact I know you recognised long ago, and went in search of something better. You are a brave soul, and we need more like you.
Best Wishes - Dave
Our enemy, along with our ignorance is selfishness. The truth is, nobody who has the power to make any sustainable and quantifiable changes cares enough to. We have the same problems here. Thank you for taking us along David and providing your valuable insights alongside the beauty of your experience.
This is so true, dear Alegria. You see the problem clearly.
I do believe we can go beyond the current tsunami of selfishness, but it will take collective will, and calm determination.
Even Poets can help….
Best Wishes - Dave
What a moving essay and the photos are so beautiful. I love that those huts are still there and being cared for. I’m in the Bay Area and homelessness is everywhere. We could do so much as a society if we put put money toward helping people, toward healthcare and education, toward caring for those who can’t, who need some assistance to get back on their feet, the elderly. The list goes on. Instead we have a government that creates a 1.8 billion dollar slush fund for the real criminals. Don’t get me started…
Oh my friend
It is such a destructive and unnecessary social catastrophe. Yes - we could do so much more.
I intended to write something purely creative about the huts - they are remarkable, in a remarkable location - but the message behind them needed a more direct voice….
And yes - there are other madnesses happening too - in your land and in our own…
Best Wishes - Dave
Oh, Dave, this just had me let loose some tears. Your addressing it here, in this way, is powerful. It is something any 'body' with a soul can fully feel.
In the U.S.A., we are feeling a surge of the same unhoused population bursting. A societal doing that too many want to keep behind the blinders they wear. We somehow have decided that the most worthy of souls are those carrying enormous bags of wealth and those who are not can not even be afforded shelter, a meal, or kindness (which is FREE). We sure have the money to compensate violence, though, whether in unnecessary wars or to reward horrid behavior like the vandalizing of our Capital. What a state we are all in these days. How I hope we can be aware enough to do what is right. The state of our souls truly depends on it!
Thank you for so beautifully addressing it.
Many blessings and MUCH LOVE! ~Wendy💜
Thank you dear Wendy
Having travelled quite extensively in your country, I have seen this myself.
On my first visit I was shocked by the extent of the need, but now I see my own nation heading the same way.
We can both do so much better…
Here in Oz we found shelter for almost everyone, when Covid came - because then it was seen as a health crisis, and homelessness was perceived as a risk to all.
What we have, of course is a humanity crisis, and an illness of the soul. But they can be cured.
Best Wishes to you
- Dave
I pray we all see a cure and witness that healing! 💜🙏🏼
Yes, and yes… my friend.
D
Such an important point. Well said 👏 Beautiful piece.
Thank you, dear Alex. May your week be joyful and safe…
Best Wishes - Dave
It is indeed the time of the unhoused and we have the same tragic problem in the U.S. Thank you for asking such important questions, taking us into not-so-distant traumatic moments of the past, and exploring the healing notion of safe harbour. So appreciate you Dave!
Friend Stephanie, yes…. We saw this from our first visit to your country, and it was a great shock. Now we see our own nation treading the same path - but it need not be so! Not here, and not in your land either. As nations - and across the world - we can do better.
Australia ranks higher than the USA in terms of citizen “happiness” - but Finland, Denmark, Iceland and Sweden do far better still....
If the purpose of a nation state is to increase the happiness of it’s inhabitants - and it’s hard to argue against that - we are failing, and they are succeeding.
Best Wishes - Dave
To which I say AMEN!!!!!!!!!! Thank you again Dave.
What a beautiful juxtaposition of art and social commentary, Dave. And you are right in the end - many of us, like me, might never visit Australia, but we can travel along with you to these places through your pictures, thoughts, and writing. Thank you for taking us along with you. 💕
Oh! Friend Naz…. My thanks for your kind words - and the restack. I have sat up late writing this, all in a rush, because tomorrow I am busy, so I have no idea how well - or badly - it reads.
I intended to write a poem about the place, or something creative, and maybe I will also do that some time - but every now and then the message I need to convey exceeds that medium…
Best Wishes - Dave
Even the prose of a poet is a poem 🙃
Lol my friend. If I ever write this book....
Sigh
D :)
You must!
Good morning Simone
Oh yes. I am sure the patriarchy and capitalism have Everything to do with war and greed....
Selfishness, and even violence, are at least a capacity within most people - but I do not see them as our natural state.
It requires a pathological social condition to nurture both, and to strengthen both, in a society. We see it around us here. We see extreme exemplars of it in certain individuals - but they are a self perpetuating symptom as much as a cause.
We have to break that cycle, if we are to survive.
Best Wishes - Dave