humanity
For better or for worse, relationships reveal the core of the human condition.
The Things We Say
Something profound happened to me recently. It happened shortly after getting my second paycheck from my new job this past Christmas. I passed a stranger in a grocery store. He looked at me, nodded his head, and spoke three rather innocuous words; “How’s it goin’?” It was one of those questions we all ask, never really expecting a reply. It’s one of those weird things we do in society to show that we acknowledge the presence of another human being right before passing through their ‘personal space’ He was just being polite, I’m sure. Normally, I would just nod back, and answer with something like, ”Hey, what’s up?” or something equally benign and noncommittal.
By KL Hankins7 years ago in Humans
Why Do We Ignore the Homeless?
The poet Shane Koyczan once said "tragedy is a switch, we're never more than one flick away from it, that can happen to any one at anytime." Knowing that homelessness is one bad mistake, or an untimely misfortune away from being our realities. I've spoken to many people that are currently homeless, and I have also had the burden of homelessness on my shoulders at times. One thing that I have learned from these experiences is that when you are homeless you are looked at like you did something wrong. Like you are a drug addict, like you are a criminal. But what I want to know is why.
By Brandon Partridge7 years ago in Humans
Labor Day, 2018
When you wake me up with a kiss on my forehead, you tell me, Take a shower, we’re going out to breakfast this morning. I drive down to the strip district in my favorite baby blue romper, and you sing "Africa" by Toto to the cars as they pass by. We speed down the strip, not noticing the brightly colored eight-by-eleven posters on each door stand telling us Closed–Labor Day. My favorite diner, Pamela’s, closed, and every other sit-down restaurant, closed. Except for one or two, whose lines stretch down the street. The people fuss in the late summer heat, moving this way, and that, but not going anywhere, just trying to create the ghost of a breeze.
By Carsyn Smith7 years ago in Humans
Why I Can't Be Loved
So I bet you clicked on this thinking, well, damn another sob story about the lack of love in someone's life. I am betting it is something you have experienced yourself, or at the very least you know someone who has. Maybe my story is a tad different from most, but it's still oddly common, I'm sure.
By Caroline Bailey7 years ago in Humans
10 Things Not to Say to a Person with a Disability
I’ve been disabled my entire life, but only in a wheelchair for 11 out of my 23 years on this Earth. And in those 23 years, I’ve had my fair share of insulting, back-handed statements and questions come my way. Although a lot of these statements and questions are said and asked with good intentions, the effect they have on those with a disability is usually negative. So, I compiled what you shouldn’t say into a list to educate those who need some enlightening on what not to say to a person with a disability.
By Kylie Jamieson7 years ago in Humans
People Watching
Yesterday was one of the first warm and sunny days we have had this spring, and was a good day to get out and see the town. As always, in Burlington, VT, Church Street Marketplace comes alive as soon as the temperatures go up. Tourists weave in and out of locally owned and operated coffee shops, bookstores, and apparel companies, college kids jog in groups, or ride their bikes between classes, locals pick up coffee as they walk their dogs, and restaurants dust off the outdoor furniture from the storage area, and set up for the dinner rush. But there are those who don’t have much to do; they don’t work, they don’t talk to most people other than to beg, or ask for spare change. Some are new faces, and others are known throughout the area as friendly and harmless individuals.
By Morganne Thayer7 years ago in Humans
Entangled Mind
I couldn’t think straight. All I could hear was noise. He was yelling and grabbing me, pushing me aside. But he was careful not to leave a mark. Always careful. Always finding some loophole to get around what he considered physical abuse. And all I could think was, What did I do wrong? I had upset him again. It was a daily occurrence really.
By andrea marie7 years ago in Humans
Freshman Year of College
Tomorrow starts the beginning of exam week, which means my freshman year of college will be coming to a close and I can honestly say I’m both happy and sad. This year has come with so many challenges but has also included some good times.
By Michelle Werbeck7 years ago in Humans
Untitled (I Don’t Have a Name for This Story Yet)
Chapter 1 Where am I? This is not my home. This isn’t anyone’s home. The walls are barren, the floorboards are exposed and crooked, the ceiling, or lack of, has seen better days. I rise, slowly. My body aches, I try out a stretch, and it’s rejected. What’s causing that awful pain?
By Adam Hayton7 years ago in Humans
Staying #CharlotteStrong
The morning was normal. I woke up like usual, brushed my teeth like usual, and got dressed like usual. My routine is a boring one, and I had expected April 30th, 2019 to be just as boring. Boy, was I wrong. I don't think there's going to be another day like this for me.
By Sydney Moore7 years ago in Humans
