Soaked to the skin, she
shuffles in behind me,
bags in tow. She’s only here
to shelter from the rain.
So am I, if the truth be known.
Cussing under her breath,
she wipes her nose on the sleeve
of her coat – held together
by a wing and prayer.
She glances my way, or so
it would seem, with eyes that protest,
“Been there, done that. Wrote the book
and the fucking screen-play.”
I pretend to search the rails
crammed full of cruddy crimplene dresses,
Bri-nylon blouses, bobbled sweaters –
all discarded from the over-bulging
wardrobes of its caring clientele.
The girl from behind the counter
tells her to move on – shepherds her
discretely out the door.
For a while she stands, undecided
which way to go, as the rain
drips off the awning onto her hair –
trickles down her neck.
It chills me to the bone
and just to think, charity begins at home,
or so it’s said.
As is the state of our high-streets today
she is spoilt for choice, and hovers
between the Spastic’s and Sue Ryder.
She opts for the latter – settles down
for the night, amidst the black sacks
that keep her warm, on the doorstep.
But not before she gives Help the Aged
an undisputed ‘V’ sign, or so I’d like to think …
As if it really mattered.
Comments
tamara (not verified) | January 18, 2009 - 23:55
This is heaving with expression,I love the stanza
'It chills me to the bone
and just to think,charity begins at home,
or so it's said.'
It also captures something in time for me Tina,
Fantastic piece,Lynne.
Silver Spun Sand | January 19, 2009 - 09:47
Thank you so much for reading this one, Lynne - written after a recent rare visit to my old stamping ground, Camden Town. Time changes many things, it's true, but not all.
Tina x
MistakenMagic | January 19, 2009 - 15:56
'She glances my way, or so
it would seem, with eyes that protest,
“Been there, done that. Wrote the book
and the fucking screen-play.”'
This stanza made me laugh out loud! And the rest was truly chilling. An excellent piece, Tina :)
Magic xxx
QueenElf | January 19, 2009 - 16:31
I can relate to so much of that. Wehave an "up-market" charity shop that disuades loiterers, or so they try. It's a sad world. Loved the poem.
Lisa.
Nathan Bednarek | January 19, 2009 - 17:05
'It chills me to the bone
and just to think, charity begins at home,
or so it’s said.'
You've done it again! This is a wonderfully crafted poem and each stanza is like a stepping stone with its own meaning, complexity, tone and depth. I quoted the stanza above because it seems so honest and personal and it really stands out, in my humble opinion.
Keep posting your work Tina! Your writing is very influential and inspiring. This is a wonderful read, well done for creating another piece of art.
Nathan.
artisus | January 19, 2009 - 20:18
very very good Tina, great ending, excellent flow, vivid and meaningful. cheers,
xx
Ewan | January 20, 2009 - 18:12
I liked the gritty aspect of this, it contrasted with an almost lyrical tone. Tough - perhaps a little tender - and worth a hatful of cherries.
Well done
Ewan
luigi_pagano | January 20, 2009 - 19:35
'But not before she gives Help the Aged
an undisputed ‘V’ sign, or so I’d like to think …
As if it really mattered.'
Fabulous ending to a great poem, dear Tina.
Luigi xxx
Bradene | January 21, 2009 - 14:20
Agree with all above Tina your writing just keeps on getting better. Great work. Love Val xx
Silver Spun Sand | January 21, 2009 - 19:00
Magic - thank you. I thought you mind find that particular stanza funny!!
My appreciation as always, for your intuitive comments.
Tina x
Silver Spun Sand | January 21, 2009 - 19:01
Lisa - how lovely to hear from you. I was really pleased. Hope the world is treating you kindly these days. Your own writing, I see, is going from strength to strength.
Once again, many thanks for commenting and I plan to have a more in-depth look at your current pieces.
Tina xx
Silver Spun Sand | January 21, 2009 - 19:04
Nathan - you never fail to amaze me. You always pick up on things I don't think people will notice and it is extremely encouraging - something we could all do with a lot of, encouragement I mean:-)
I am really glad you enjoyed this one and very much appreciate your interest in what I write. Thank you.
Tina x
Silver Spun Sand | January 21, 2009 - 19:06
Nic - your words, much appreciated and I thank you for them:-)
Tina xx
Silver Spun Sand | January 21, 2009 - 19:08
You sure do know how to read (and write) a poem, Ewan and I thank you for your inspired words:-)
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | January 21, 2009 - 19:10
Luigi - now why I am not surprised these were your favourite words from this little ditty?;-)
Many thanks, my friend.
Tina xxxx
Silver Spun Sand | January 21, 2009 - 19:12
Val - many thanks for reading, which is something I have not had the time to do over the last few days. I intend to rectify that, tomorrow, hopefully. Hope you are OK.
Much love,
Tina xx
jennifer | January 22, 2009 - 11:51
Superb writing!
Particularly loved the literary:
'She glances my way, or so
it would seem, with eyes that protest,
“Been there, done that. Wrote the book
and the fucking screen-play.”'
Made me giggle.
A difficult subject tackled with humour, superb!
J x
tretchicovmanicova | January 22, 2009 - 12:03
a world in grey. your writing brings to mind a beautiful quote as you have done a service to bring this world in grey to the forefront; thanking you, tina.
"i slept and dreamt that life was joy. i awoke and saw that life was service. i acted and behold, service was joy."
Silver Spun Sand | January 22, 2009 - 12:47
So glad it brought a smile to your lips, Jennifer:-) My thanks to you for reading and taking time out to let me know you enjoyed it.
Tina x
Silver Spun Sand | January 22, 2009 - 12:49
My pleasure, tretchicovmanicova ... and thank you for those wonderful words. Truly inspiring.
Tina