In The Pale Misty Morning

This is one of two pieces that I have written, over the years, that addresses the unfortunate plight of those who have become homeless for one reason or another of the many reasons that do exist ...

In The Pale Misty Morning

Written By Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham

Copyright © 2021 Marvin Thomas Cox

DBA: Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham

All Rights Reserved

AUTHOR'S PRELIMINARY NOTE:  I have experienced homelessness first hand as one  who found himself with no where to stay or live in gleaning my meals via the art of Dumpster Diving ...

In the pale misty morning of night gone by,

a train whistle echoes through the fading fog,

the old man's shivers wet with morning dew,

yet another night of sleeping upon the ground.

His home but a thicket of trees in open field,

a bit of shelter from wind and a prying view,

emptied bottles of release clutter the ground,

a brown paper bag flutters in a gentle breeze.

Waking another day not a happy thought at all,

just a repeat of so many countless yesterdays,

living become prison served one day at a time,

dying that pardon which seemed always denied.

Bones aching with joints popping in complaint,

arising to curse the coming heat of a fuller day,

'twas gonna be a hot one and a scorcher for sure,

eyes peek at sun poking holes in melting clouds.

Struggling for balance with shaky standing legs,

takes a morning whiz contemplating his options,

dumpster dive over begging sounded reasonable,

dumpsters kinder than people passing judgment.

Hunger sidelined as nature gives its morning call

brown paper bag a repository for the number two,

blades of grass sacrificed upon a two cheeks altar,

stuffing ripped from his dirt is soil only mattress.

Dons scraggly cap whilst pawing at scruffy beard,

slow limping wobble his accustomed elderly gait,

makes for uptown offers of a meal not yet rancid,

pondering means of another day's bottles secured.

Battle over dumpster dibs life's routine daily vigil,

whilst some folk share where as other folk won't,

knowing when grub hits the dumpsters a positive,

food discarded rather than offer a meal to the poor.

Profits know nothing of kindness felt compassion

jollies gleaned in the watching of poor folk grovel

judgmental folk clueless to wearing of same shoes

another day another dollar, a lie fed to those gullible.

Settles for leavings of last evening's deli chicken,

better meal than a growling gut rumbling all day,

odd job sought as opportunity's chance for cash,

heading for field's thicket toting forty's in hand.

In the pale misty morning of night gone by,

a train whistle echoes through the fading fog,

tainted chicken's puking and bloody diarrhea¹,

beer numbs the pain as death draws him near,

at long last -- his pardon has come through today ...

(Written September 10^th, 2021)

1 Puking and Bloody Diarrhea: Symptoms of E.coli �" Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) infection vary for each person, but often include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea (often bloody), and vomiting. Some people may have a fever, which usually is not very high (less than 101˚F/38.5˚C). Most people get better within 5 to 7 days. Some infections are very mild, but others are severe or even life-threatening. https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/ecoli-symptoms.html

Reviews

[Dave Brown]

whenever I am able to get out, I am witness to this sorry situation.
this is bluntly graphic and an impressive description of the life
I was told of a recent documentary (?) showing how the homeless card is being milked for an easy money lifestyle.(a new religion?)
How some offering jobs are told to F Off, which if true, just makes it more difficult for those actually in need.
My Aunt was cursed with a mental disorder and died in an institute.
At about the same time, because of the increased success of drugs, these institutes were shutting down, with the inmates left to cope.
I feel this is when homelessness began to gather momentum.
Add alcohol and drugs.
The results are all too obvious.
Is there a solution?

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham]

Thank you Dave ... I have been homeless, and so I know that sadness of which I speak ...

[Andrew John]

This pale misty morning after a night creates a lovely-to-read atmosphere. Thank you.

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham]

Thank you for reading and commenting ... Nice to meet you here on the Writer'sCafe ...

Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham

[Temperance]

I believe this is my first read of your work and, I think you write about the terrible plight of our homeless population. It shames me that our country gives more to the illegals crossing our borders than to our own veterans and citizens. A very sad provocative poem that opens our eyes to the life of a homeless person. Nicely done. Thank you for sharing. Temp

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham]

Thank you, Temperance, for reading, and for the insightful and kind words ...

[John the Baptist]

A sobering picture here of those living on the bottom rung of society. When I was a mental health crisis counselor I would sometimes come into contact with people living in these situations. It could happen to any of us. That's why it is important to financially support organizations that help the homeless if they will accept it.

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham]

John,

I agree, assist the homeless in reattaing their lives as they see fit, but do not assist in maintaining the state of affairs that got them there in the first place ... Help them to help themselves, just as I did live it and had to make myself climb out of it for the sake of my own self respect in loving me for the me that I am ...

[Betty Hermelee]

A sad commentary on kindness and empathy for those who have nothing, not a shelter, not a morsel, only left to rot. This poem is very personal to your past life and is written so humanely and sorrowfully. It's a shame that the those who have are reticent to give to those who have nothing.... you decribe this homeless plight with a very special feel.
Best, B

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham]

Thank you Betty, for reading, and for the most kind words ...

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome!
Best, B

[W. Barrett Munn]

This has some really nice lines and the end repetition works well.
W

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham]

Thank you, W. Barrett Munn!