A Man With A Purpose

I saw a man today.
He was standing on the corner,
just minding his own business.
And, I thought, I bet most people think
that this guy is just loafing around;
some deadbeat who won't get a job 
and thinks the world owes him something.
Well, not me.  I could see right away
that this guy had a purpose.
Yea, it might not be to go and change the world,
or even his town;
probably not even his life,
but, this guy was driven.
He had to be.
I mean, why else would he just be 
standing around in the hot sun?

Reviews

[Addict With a Pen]

Interesting how you added in the last question as though you were doubting yourself. This poem gives me two different stories. One, you think that this man had purpose which drives him to be himself and stand where he is, and the second is that you are hopeful about purpose and believe everyone has something to do, but then you see this man standing. You believe that he has a purpose because you believe in the concept of purpose but you only see his standing around and in the last question you are doubting yourself. It's interesting. I'd like to know which story you were actually searching to write for.
Great poem, I love the spacing!

[James]

I hate to admit it, but I think ultimately, I was in agreement with everyone else. I like to think that I wouldn't rush to judgement, but I'm compelled to "call it like I see it."

I was prompted to write this while I was sitting at a red light and saw a guy walking down the street with his hands in his pockets and my first thought was 'just another lazy bum', but then I was a little ashamed of myself. I like to think that everyone has a purpose and eventually we will find it. So I guess I was taking a swipe at our judgemental society and the reality of the moment if that makes any sense.

[Addict With a Pen]

It does make sense, I liked this poem. Im glad you wrote it in that way as you described. Thank you for clarifying.

[barleygirl]

Who knows? He might be getting up the courage to do something dire or scary. The day after yet another terrorist attack, I find myself wondering how these suicide bombers can be so convinced of their purpose. Do they have to sit a moment to get up their courage? Or are they just delirious with endorphins, so sure they'll be rewarded for their efforts? Anyhow, your poem shows us a lot about our assumptions of others & what "purpose" might look like from the outside, which I think is a remarkable idea for a poem. The most revealing part is saying he's a deadbeat, just becuz he's only standing there. And I like the contrast of seeing some sense of purpose in what other people might consider to be uselessness.

[Inject Positivity]

Very thought provoking, we all have a purpose, we all here for unique reasons and we should believe in that too... I believe that man is driven by a purpose to witness the change, may be he could inspire others to change this world... A very cleverly done work...


Sincerely
Dhiman

[James]

Thank you so much, an interesting take eon this.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

very clever insights with this one...

yes, why would he?

his goal might be to let the world change around him...and he will just watch from his corner.

[James]

That might be it exactly. Thank you Jacob.