Find the Cost of Freedom

Ann Anybody’s poem penned during the Iran Hostage Crisis provides a riveting lead for peace, the kind of peace the Chico Peace Vigil pursues every Saturday on a busy corner in Downtown Chico, California.  The Acappella Group Parallel Fifths, from Danbury Connecticut, nails the title track amidst the painful reminder that we can’t even the score.” Shalom…

I Have a Name… Ann Anybody from Anywhere U.S.A.

God placed this woman in my path for a purpose, a reason, a hope… that all of humanity would treat the poor and destitute with the love of neighbor as thyself. I pray Ann’s words and images have but a smidgen of the impact on you that it has had on me. Hands trembling… please share and ALWAYS remember, “If you have a Roof be Grateful.”

Homeless
by Ann Anybody

Sundown makes me shake and shiver. I’m cold until the dawn. The sun will drive away the chill and I can bask in the warmth of the day. I am the nation’s homeless (Ann’s voice cracks, fighting back tears) — the ones you don’t seem to see.

I sleep in the alleyways and woods hidden away from the harassment that comes from fear and misunderstanding. And I walk up and down speaking aloud to make you think I’m crazy so you won’t bother me, or I move in the shadows and dwell in my silence.

There are many of us all around and it can happen so suddenly striking like a disease in the prime of your life, or moving in slowly with age weakening your grasp on all you hold dear. Until there is nothing to warm you (in tears), and all that is familiar is gone.

Pray for me, and for yourself, that it doesn’t happen to you. Treat me as though you could walk in my shoes (we exchange blessings and tearfully hug).

That one I wrote in 1978… Ann will be 68-years young in just a few weeks. Stay tuned for more of her story and ways that we can help her realize the peace and tranquility that comes from having a safe place to be. Shalom.

Learn more about The I Have a Name Project

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