Vagabond brothers in plaid patchwork socks

~

 

 

Vagabond brothers in plaid patchwork socks,

crossing the street between stripes painted yellow

Stretching the avenue half past the hour,

dodging the drunk, he’s a staggering fellow

 

Grabbing a smoke from the stack on the corner,

begging a match that just isn’t the same

Identical twins from a different mother,

thinking the postman holds most of the blame

 

Belting a chorus while changing their trousers,

pressed at the seam near the fine zigzag stitch

Hiding the spot that is worn in the middle,

caused by aggressively scratching an itch

 

Checking the fridge just to find it quite empty,

not even leftovers left over there

Hearing their stomachs now growling profusely,

hoping that none on the sidewalk would stare

 

Reaching for handles of brass alabaster,

gathering things at a grocery store

Paying in cash with a currency foreign,

offering nickels, they don’t have much more

 

Pork chops on Sunday and sweet apple cider,

pushing their cart over ten city blocks

Still they are known for their colorful fashions,

vagabond brothers in plaid patchwork socks

Author's Note

A friend sent the line, "Vagabond brothers in plaid patchwork socks" and said, see if you can write a poem to that. This is what I wrote.

Reviews

[jacob erin-cilberto]

Well, you sure did write a poem to that line...very interesting brothers indeed...

And I have to apologize to them, will, because I stared...

[willweb]

I am sure they'll get over it. Thanks so much Jacob

[lildot]

Great read, and loved the images while reading your prose. I especially liked “Identical twins by tow separate mothers”. Great piece!

[willweb]

Thank you so much. I am happy you enjoyed my strange little poem.