This Homeless Man Poem by Glen Kappy
This Homeless Man
This man is long-term homeless
like some other ones I've seen.
But his walk—comportment—
face animated by inner goings-on
proclaim him certifiably insane.
Him I can't imagine holding down a job
but I've never seen him with his hand out—
yet through years and winters he endures.
Short bristly hair on top, unwashed, unshaven
I've seen him poke through outside ashtrays for a butt
then walk hands in coat pockets cigarette uptitlted
reminding me of FDR—mouth stretched into a grin—
and crazy we're likely to think to be so happy.
You have drawn a vivid picture of this crazy, homeless person. Though he is homeless, he is never seen begging, keeps himself cheerful with the discarded of a cigarette. Some are like that, always happy. He may not be too sane to worry about his future. Somehow he has left a striking image in my heart! (10)
Hi, Valsa! So nice to see your comment—thank you! In a sense this poem is yet one more in a theme I’ve explored again and again—what make for happiness, contentment, joy? Hoping you are well, Glen
Your observant eyes and humanitarian heart... Yes, some people somehow keep themselves cheerful despite their suffering. A bit of insanity helps! There's a man in our village who goes to work every day - sits outside the little shop drinking. But, lo! - lately I've seen him helping with street sweeping and road building.
my third try on this—ph is being wonky. thank you for your kind comments, laurie. from one God-crazy person to another, keep the faith. -glen
A nice poem indeed. Living a life without any care and burden has its own charm. Like to read again and again.10++++
thanks, anil. then there are those, sadhus, mendicant franciscans, and others whose voluntary poverty can make us wonder. i myself was such for a long period, sometimes without money, fasting from food and water, with the result i learned there is no learning that trust increases with risk. and how good life's basics are when we've been deprived! be well! -glen
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem
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5/5/2024 7:27:14 AM # 1.0.0.1119
Crazy and happy. I wonder what occupies the precious little distance between those two very closely related realms? Good writing Glen. Thank you for making me ponder.
i like what you say, smoky—precious little distance between those two. and who's to say? thank you for your comment. -glen