He was a sight
When I first saw him
I couldn’t believe my eyes
A ghost-like creature
Trudging down the street
One early morning
An apparition of grey
A grey paper-mache monster walking
Paper, yes, paper
Specifically, newspaper
Plastered all over him
Paper he collected from trash
And painstakingly fashioned into a coat
Pants, hat, gloves, boots
It was incredibly ingenious
How he was able to keep it all together
Without falling apart
To be honest, he looked liked a
Piece of art
Albeit surreal, frightening
You couldn’t see any of him
Except his eyes
It's hard to imagine a man
was inside this mass of paper
A paper-mache sculpture
With random pieces flapping in the wind
It was a windy day
But he must have been warm under
All those layers
It was quite thick, it made him look bigger
Menacing, gigantic
But then I wondered, what if it rains
Or what when it starts to snow
I’m sure he would make something
Using trash bags and old blankets-he would know
But would that shield him from the cold
Can that protect him from the snow
Would that bring any comfort to this poor wandering soul
I look back at him for one last time
For now this beautiful monster looks just fine
Under that clear early morning autumn sky
a page from mundane life...a life very ordinary among ordinary humans...you narrate with concern and gravity Sonya...very good work...10
I was expecting something when I read the title. well this is a pleasant surprise. I like the social perspective on this one. I, too, wonder what materials (or trash) will he use during winter. I have never experienced autumn but I did wrote two poems about it. I hope you will also read them. Mabuhay :)
he seems to read the seasons.? ........and how to survive.....
Despite his homelessness, he is able to face the challenges by his innermost strengths to help him to survive in the seasons. Interesting.
Loved this piece.(I used to be a paper girl when I was a kid)
Sonya a wonderful piece of work, as I interpret it to be the homeless, modeliing paper to stay warm. Your reflection on what their life would be like gives the reader a new avenue, where humanity dwells. Lovely piece of literature :)
I clung on to every word as I was in awe of this monster as your words were expertly executed to draw the reader in. The last stanza is a treasure as after all your reasoning, he was a person who was coping for the present time. Homeless people can become very ingenious in getting through each day, and they can help each other out. We saw a documentary the other night about a man who disappeared from his home and had spent 15 years walking the countryside of Australia, every single day! A great poem Sonya and I really enjoyed it! 10 love Karin
Wow! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! the words dance at your command. The fear and pathos go together in this poem. Your narrative skill and philosophy shine brilliantly here. This multilayer poem can be interpreted at several levels. Thanks, CP
Sonya your narrative shows such care and attention to detail - - neither yourself nor your readers will ever forget this 'Monster in Autumn' - - you have a winner of a verse here which lists skillfully all the reasons we should care more for those in need.... hugs from Fay.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Wow, must have been a sight. Keeping dry does seem to be the most important thing for homeless people. This is very dear; both your wonder and concern in this poem.