Can You Imagine?

I wrote a chapter in my recent book, “How To Increase Homelessness,” that is called “Imagine.” It challenges our society to imagine a better place, where homelessness no longer exists.

Here is a brief part of this chapter:

I still remember where I was when John Lennon was shot on December 8, 1980. I can also remember the music that the television and radio stations played days after. It was his popular song, “Imagine.” As if his death might prompt the world to imagine a better society, a better community for all. Of course, he proposed no heaven, no hell, no borders, no religion, and no possessions. Not a particularly balanced approach to a better society. But the extremity of his lyrics was poignant. The song makes a powerful point.

Perhaps if Lennon were still living today, he might have re-written his song to provide hope for those languishing on the streets homeless, for a community overwhelmed, and for leaders paralyzed into inaction. Can you imagine what his lyrics might say?

Imagine there’s no hunger
It’s easy if you try
No hard sidewalk below us
Above us no more sky
Imagine all the people
Living for today

Imagine there’s no abuse
It isn’t hard to do
Nothing to hurt or scare us
And no more insults too
Imagine all the people
Living life in peace

Imagine no unemployment
I wonder if you can
No more need for begging
Just a community filled with love
Imagine all the people
Sharing all the world

You may say I’m a dreamer
But I’m not the only one
I hope someday you’ll join us
And the world will live as one