A Bucket Full of Sunshine

He sits on a bucket full of sunshine
On the corner of Lockett & Vine
His smile wears a weathered worn face
That no longer bares his identity's name

A styrofoam cup with the words "Help needed"
Helps pay for the other mouth he's feeding
His only friend in the world these days
Is a homeless Golden Retriever named Faye
She's named after the daughter he hasn't seen in years
Who he cries for in the rain; that hides away the salty tears

He once believed that America would fight for his kindom
As he once did fighting for their freedom
They turned their backs on this hero of war
That didn't mind sending him back in for more
Yet his heart sends up a smile everyday
Through the hurtful words hurled his way

He never asks for much
Even when times are hellishly rough
He's a survivor that nobody knows
But tonight in the bitter cold

A Daughter will lose her Dad
A loyal dog will lose her wag

A lone bucket full of sunshine
Will sit empty on the corner of Lockett & Vine.

Reviews

[MsJewel]

You have touched my heart today... How many are just like this man you write of....The growing homeless population is shocking and the fact that many of the homeless are veterans is even more disturbing. There are many foundations and special funds that veterans can apply for - but unfortunately many of them don't even know this type of help exists. Your poem is bold and real and filled with compassion.

:) Julie

[Chris Micha]

Julie, I am truly honored you enjoyed this. Every word you said is true and it's truly sad. Thank you for your words! :)

[MsJewel]

My pleasure

[Baby Ricochet]

Depressing and heart felt story. I'll often times give a hobo money. A lot of them are nam vetslike the guy in tyour piece so I figure my generation of vets will be pan handling sooner or later. I like to think jesus would have handed a vet some cash. Even if he knew he was going to buy booze with it. Real compassion knows to not try and fix what's not ready. Just relieve the pain.

[Chris Micha]

Best words ever sir! The ghosts and demons of war are often times relieved at the bottom of a bottle. Who are we to judge a man who put his life/mind on the line.

[lost girl]

You've made me remember that I havent seen the guy on the corner with the sign "cash for gold" he is there every season...dancing and listening to his little radio. I will have to look for him

[Chris Micha]

Lol...well maybe he retired

[Natalie Dieudonne]

Wow, this is a really sad yet touching piece... Its crazy because there are so many homeless and struggling people out there and we forget to stop and think how they got there, we just pass them by. I hope this will help open our eyes and stop think next time we come across someone asking for some change.

Amazing work my friend!

[Chris Micha]

Hey Natalie!!! Thank you my friend and I hope it at least makes someone think. Glad to hear from you. :)

[Natalie Dieudonne]

Well it has definitely made me think. You're welcome Christian :)

[Madalyn Beck]

I have a high respect for the veterans who fight for our freedom seeing as my brother-in-law is one of them and many others in my family were. This is heart wrenching write where you have left me breathless. You have expressed these situations that happen all too often in a stunning way here.
You clearly have a strong talent and never ever let it go to waste. This was marvelous. Definitely a favorite work here. xo (:

[Chris Micha]

Wow! You have really made my day with your words Madalyn. I am truly honored and it means so much to hear that. :)

[Bowers]

oh no... this is so sad :( A very talented write, as usual... but its tearing at my heart...

[Chris Micha]

Awe :( it is and thank you ma'am....smile :)

[Bowers]

:) you are very welcome! :D

[arejoleacher]

Literally, thank you for this poem. At my church our youth group goes out every year and feeds the homeless and let me tell you, it is a very tragic thing that people have to go through these struggles. Every time I go , ,everyone of them I meet are so gracious and kind. This poem brought me to tears, very well done.

[Chris Micha]

Wow that means a lot to hear that! I am so happy to have written it. Thank you!! :)

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

You never fail to reach into my heart and pluck to your hearts desire, I adore it, well done, good read.

[Chris Micha]

Thank you so much Thomas!!! :)

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Your welcome sweetness.

[Kim]

This is a masterpiece. You are really skilled at putting words together :)

[Chris Micha]

You're so sweet. Thank you my dear! :)

[Beccy]

Against all reason, today's world of plenty seems to bring a greater burden to the 'have nots' than ever before.

How even one poor soul can be abandoned in such a way, (and not just in the USA, take a look at the streets of London,) is beyond me.

Your poem speaks a message we should all heed.

Beccy.

[Chris Micha]

Beccy, this is all too true and it's sad. Thank you for your kind words. :)