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A HOMELESS MAN

Posted by kheldar on January 12, 2010 - 11:32
from the ABC set THE HUMAN CONDITION

I saw a homeless man today
Sat huddled on the ground,
As countless people passed him by
He sat and made no sound.

Bedraggled hair and unkempt beard
A face downcast and grey,
He'd just a dirty blanket
To keep the cold at bay.

No cardboard sign hung round his neck
No cup called out for alms,
No hint of "any change guv?"
No plea from outstretched palms.

I thought to give him something
But feared to hurt his pride,
Perhaps in his position
Pride has long since died.

I feared as well reproving looks
What other folk might think,
"They should not be encouraged.." or
"He'll just buy fags or drink.."

I think of his DISCOURAGED face
Drink or smoke he might,
I cannot change the world for him
Mayhap I'll ease one night.

I'll look for him tomorrow
I'll cover that same ground,
A small gift in an envelope
I'll leave and make no sound.

COPYRIGHT D M PAMMENT 12th JANUARY 2010

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Comments

Silver Spun Sand | January 12, 2010 - 12:18

Kheldar, this is beautifully crafted and extremely poignant. A poem, I for one, could very much identify with; the penultimate stanza really hitting home.

Tina

kheldar | January 12, 2010 - 13:01

Thanks so much for that Tina

David

Mangone | January 12, 2010 - 16:44

A very good poem which makes some great points!
In Europe it is difficult to know much to give...
in less wealthy countries anything is better than nothing.
If you fear the money might go on drink - offer food...
if it's refused eat it yourself :O)

kheldar | January 12, 2010 - 16:48

That's a good idea Mangone, I will certainly keep it very much in mind :-)

MistakenMagic | January 13, 2010 - 17:07

I agree with Mangone - very good advice! As to the poem - it is beautifully done and very thought-provoking. Great observations, Kheldar!

Magic xxx

kheldar | January 13, 2010 - 19:01

Thanks very much for your kind comment Magic :--) xx

threeleafshamrock | January 13, 2010 - 23:12

I like this a lot, in fact I have tried something similar and probably for the same reasons. The rhyme and rhythm is spot on and so is the tale; the sentiment is almost tangible. Really liked this, well done.

Chris ;)

kheldar | January 14, 2010 - 10:59

Thank you Chris :--)

Kurt Rellians | January 31, 2010 - 19:28

I like this poem and the thoughts it contains.

kheldar | January 31, 2010 - 20:42

Thanks once again Kurt :--)