His ragged coat betrays his need for pride.
No sadness can those haunting brown eyes hide.
I look into his face and see his soul,
for life for this man sure did take its toll.
He shuffles in his weather-beaten shoes.
He grips his bag for fear that he will lose
the contents he has built throughout the years.
Those treasures gained through grind of sweat and tears.
His old grey hair is matted, full of knots.
From grime, his face is riddled with sore spots.
No pampering for this man, that’s quite clear;
perhaps a bath in shelters twice a year.
Through holes in gloves his filthy fingers poke.
What tales we’d hear if this man ever spoke,
for on his left he wears a ring of gold,
but sadly it’s a story never told.
Had he a wife? I guess we’ll never know.
In pockets, pictures he will never show.
He gazes at them often, face so sad,
remembering a life that he once had.
A little dog, his only source of bliss.
That dog affords this man some happiness,
within a world that holds no hope of light.
Seems no one cares about this old man’s plight.
I see him every day on his park bench,
and hurry past for I can’t stand the stench.
A pile of old newspapers are his bed,
his tatty bag a pillow for his head.
For six long months I’ve watched this man each day.
I bow my head and always rush away.
I make excuses why I never care,
and why I never have the time to spare.
Perhaps I have a meeting and I’m late,
or have a prior engagement that can’t wait.
My red dress is designer, can’t get soiled.
In truth, it’s just more likely that I’m spoiled
Some day I’ll stop and talk to this poor man,
and somehow help him any way I can.
For now, I’ll just ignore his look of sorrow,
And tell myself I’ll care – maybe tomorrow.
Comments
SundaysChild | May 21, 2009 - 02:21
Very poignant, and very well crafted.
mariaduffy | May 21, 2009 - 07:45
mariaduffy
Thank you for your kind comment. I've just joined and am trying to find my way around. This is the first comment I've had so I greatly appreciate it.
Nathan Bednarek | May 21, 2009 - 16:57
Welcome and what a lovely way to introduce yourself to the abctales community!
I agree with 'SundaysChild', this poem is beautifully crafted. The rhyme scheme is clear and very melodic.
One piece of advice (not criticism- this, again, is a lovely poem): although the rhyme scheme in this poem is very good, you have to be very careful that a rhyme doesn't become the 'meaning' of the line. A good image is more important than a good rhyme.
Again, a lovely way to introduce yourself. I've checked out your profile and I'm very impressed that you wrote a novel. I am also working on my first one. It's not easy! ;-)
Well done on the poem and keep it coming!
Nathan.
mariaduffy | May 21, 2009 - 18:45
Thank you so much for that lovely comment and for your encouragement. I'm glad you liked it. I'm busy editing at the moment (as well as juggling my four young children) so I'm going to try to find time to read other stories and poems here on the site. Good luck with your novel too.
Maria
jennifer | May 22, 2009 - 12:30
Hi Maria, welcome to the site!
Lovely rhyming and a haunting tale to boot!
J x
mariaduffy | May 22, 2009 - 13:51
Thanks Jennifer. I appreciate you taking time to read and comment.
Maria
threeleafshamrock | June 6, 2009 - 17:27
Hi Maria, haunting tale well told. Welcome to the site. I know you will do well and enjoy it. ;)
Chris ;)
Cavalcaderl | June 26, 2009 - 20:31
hello! Mariaduffy welcome to abctales I can't find my way either, punctuation etc; Silver-Spun-Sand helped me I don't know FAQ and Forum word etc.But asked help. This is great poem full of good images. May like to read my Oh! for a bed for the homeless.
and The Lonely Penny Farthing Man. Only on a here a month.I always talk and buy The Big Issue. julie