Dressed in clothes
Of such old
But not bold
Hope anew
Soft-spoken
Not bitter
Bitter cold
Melting heart
The street is his home
Strangers are his friends
Dimes and nickels
For some pickles
Spoke with him every day
He had a whole lot to say
About come what may
He died yesterday
The poem has been pared down to the bare essentials- - just like life on the streets for a homeless person. That gives so much STARK atmosphere to this. That is an extraordinary thing to do- -to paint a picture with the sparsest words available- -to cause emotion with this brevity is a display of talent. 10+
I am truly humbled, Susan. This was a very difficult write that should have been written some time ago. When he died, the whole neighborhood was deeply saddened. That's the kind of impact he had on us.
What a great writing! All through the poem loneliness is pervading, thanks for sharing the poem with us
It's dreadfully lonely on the street. Especially in the bitter cold! Thank you so much, Muzahidul for being the first to read and comment.
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
Such anonymous people at the subsistence level come into life unwelcome, live here unattended and leave the world unnoticed! They have a lot to say, but only a few kindhearted souls like you pay an attentive ear to what they have to say! A touching write!
Valsa, your very kind words mean so very much to me. Thank you so much!