Night Walker

            "Night Walker"

 

Walking the streets where sleep is free,

All is black, even the soul inside of me.

Wandering alone, no cares and no goals,

No hope left...for a black heart, with no soul.

Walking at night, finding sleep in the day,

A constant vigil,  to hold the terrors at bay.

Meeting the eyes of each person one greets,

The darkest of sins...walk down these streets.

Walking away...old thoughts...of olden times

Before drugs and the bottle...when hope was mine.

Wandering alone, all love lost...so long ago,

All feelings blanketed under deep falling snow.

Feeling the fear as you walk and you meet,

God's castaways..in the rain and the sleet.

Forget about home, family is gone forever more,

All lost and cast away, life walked out a slamming door.

Walking the streets, never having a hope or a dream,

All was lost but death...but it is closer than it seems.

 

  written by Valentine

           [under copyright]

Author's Note

Even in this smaller town area there are homeless people and the number is growing. They are building a new shelter but will it be finished or some freeze before winter is over? May God help them get back onto their feet. Valentine

Reviews

[Sheila Kline]

Oh yes, there are so many poor souls who have no one in the world to care for them! Your words touch the core of one's heart; may we have compassion and mercy for those who are as lost as this!
I a glad to read that is a new shelter, and pray it will be ready to give solace to those who need it in time to protect from the coldest days of winter!

[Valentine]

Sheila, yes they need shelters now as a storm is coming with a possibility od 8-12 inches more of snow. Have a super Christmas. Kathie

[Einstein Noodle]

yes ..death walks with us all eh!? you have sure painted a bleak and tragic picture of those lost in drugs and alcohol ... their journey simply one fix to the next .. will do anything to get it .. and so soulless and dark is an accurate depiction ..hard but true .. when i lived in SD the population diminished with the colder weather .. many simply wandered south or west ... i like your note that reminds us of God's all forgiving and encompassing love ... no other comfort can compare ;)
E.

[Valentine]

Homeless people are everywhere. Some are drug addicts, others vets with PTSD, many women are in these shelters too. They found one in a small tent in the woods. Sad to think about. Kathie

[Einstein Noodle]

yes ...in my post Navy days i wandered the States and met many a Hobo that chose the lifestyle simply because they were happier living in wanderlust ..but i didn't relate this poem to them .. ;)

[Jed Johnson]

Darkness pervades this write, a sense of hopelessness and melancholy throughout

[Valentine]

Thank you Jed, I hope you are adjusting to the site, Kathie

[Jed Johnson]

I believe I am

[BBP]

Very kindly written from the homeless POV. They are faster aside but behind them is a backstory .... A life once like everyone else.

[Valentine]

Bev, what ever the cause, they need food and warmth until they can get back onto their feet.

[Ted Kniffen]

Sadly, this is the time of year when the homeless need help the most. With all the celebration and bright lights we should remember that Christ moved freely among the lost and downtrodden not among the wealthy. Good write, Kathie

[Valentine]

Thank you Ted, Some are that way because of job loss or family break up. Not all are drug addicts. Kathie

[Tony Jordan]

Very poignant Kathie.
It recalled to me the deeply affecting song 'Streets of London' by Ralph McTell.
The gap between the haves and have nots is greater than ever and I fear is set to widen burgeoning the numbers of these unfortunates.
Well written social commentary Kathie.

[Valentine]

Thank you Tony, there are many causes, some the fault of the people themselves, others loss of jobs etc. Sadly often kids are a part of this homelessness. The high school here did a school food drive yesterday. Would you believe that people in fancy cars showed up for free food!!!! Kathie

[Tony Jordan]

Sickening!
The food banks here are awash with people who drive up and park a half street away - walk into the bank and get free food then hop in the SUV and away.
Zero scruples at the least and downright theft at worst.

A poster on billboards here a few years back read - "We are all just three paychecks from homelessness" - but I doubt the incoming or outgoing POTUS or any of their cronies are.

[wordman]

did you know that they are 5 fore closed houses in america per 1 homeless person or family today
great write,people that can help wont !! and people that will help can!t !!!

[Valentine]

Ron, I wouldn't doubt that. Some may be the homes these people lost. Kathie

[Jack Necron (Aubrey Jac..]

A strong depiction of what thousands of people experience being homeless. The tones of hopelessness speak to you and I'm sure many in that situation feel there isn't any left for them. They need the help they can get, especially with the coming winter arriving on our doorstep and be given a chance to start over. Thank you for sharing, this is as real as it gets.

[Valentine]

Thank you Jack. I know some are that way because of their own actions but they still are human beings and need that chance like you say. Kathie

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Kathie... "There, but for the grace of G-d go I".
Unfortunately, this is so true. With our country spending billions of dollars on Wars... we can only pray that G-d works in mysterious ways. Your poem is well expressed. truly, Pat

[Valentine]

Pat, my nephew has a young girl in the family way. Come to find out she and her whole family are illegal aliens here being supported by our government on the Dream Act. The baby will be supported too. A;; our wounded vets, waiting to get into health care with a 6 month wait. Fair, no.. Kathie