JULY 14, 2023 POETRY Sleeping in the rough NOAH BODIE (NOBODY) Groundcover contributor (days and nights of absolute despair and futility) Other people, those with a permanent and safe roof over their heads, can take that as well as much else easily for granted; however, most of them will never know or understand what it is like for those who have to try sleeping in the rough, outdoors, underneath the stars, in the rain or during other severe inclement conditions, even if and when they are fortunate enough to have a tent or some other type of temporary structure, until it is vandalized or removed; sometimes by municipal authorities and anyone else who simply wants to kick them down the road, as if the person were some useless empty can. Just ask anyone who has experienced such treatment for themselves; it is really agonizingly tough, which is an understatement to be certain; truly; it's downright dehumanizing, immoral and should be against the law; yet ironically, under the law, those living unhoused (aka homeless) have little, if any, actual protection as well as little, if any, justice. Yeah, justice is definitely blind, for sure. Who gave society the right to deprive an unhoused person of their civil and human rights, merely due to the fact that they do not have a permanent abode of their own to call home and sanctuary?! Explain that one, if at all possible. Though, on second thought, don't bother; because no one is probably even listening, nor obviously caring; not to mention about how, truth be told, neither am I; not unless and until each of us open both of our hearts as well as our minds to what else might be possible and have a meaningful dialogue together and, somewhere down the road, build a better as well as different future; where everyone can attempt to live in mutual peace and harmony. Imagine that, if you can. Cemetery morning RON PAGERESKI Groundcover contributor Mourners gather to pay respects Handful of dirt each collects To toss upon the box they brought His death an end he had not sought But came for him by and by Comes for all, time we cannot buy Survivors, sad and so depressed Focusing on the soul dispossessed Wealthy dead, no longer proud Coffin draped in satin shroud A soft silent tear mingling… With the morning mist GROUNDCOVER NEWS What’s Happening at the Ann Arbor District Library Open 10am–8pm Daily Hang out in any of our five locations across town, browsing books, magazines, newspapers, and more, or check out movies, CDs, art prints, musical instruments, and science tools— you name it! Plus, we heard there are plenty of Summer Game codes hidden across all of our locations, exclusive to library visitors. Exhibits at AADL In an effort to increase the visual education and artistic experience of all visitors, the Library’s exhibits feature local, regional, and national artists as well as traveling exhibits. The Downtown Library has multiple spaces throughout the building with regularly rotating exhibits. See what’s on display at AADL by visiting AADL.org/events-feed/ exhibits. Public Computers AADL has public computers available for use by cardholders and non-cardholders at all five libraries. Each station has USB ports, headphone jacks, and some of the fastest internet in town. All buildings also feature publicly accessible WiFi in buildings as well as extending to parking lots adjacent to the buildings. FEATURED EVENT THE ANN ARBOR DISTRICT LIBRARY TINY FILM FESTIVAL July 8–August 6 The Ann Arbor District Library is once again hosting the Tiny Film Festival for movies one minute or less! Film and edit your movie and upload it from July 8 to August 6, 2023. Winners will be announced at the Summer Game Game Over Gala on August 27. 5
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