Life's Losses

When you loose everything that means something.

The cardboard box that shelters him

is covered in frosty snow.

As he breathes in the frigid air

thick fog forms in front of him.

 

He keeps vigil on the trash cans,

hoping someone will throw a morsel

of food away that they  are unable to eat

because their bellys are full.

 

The streets are empty,

except for a few other people talking.

He knows why they are whispering,

sees their stares, the pity in their eyes.

 

Numb fingers grabs hold of an old sign,

which reads, NEEDS FOOD.

He holds the sign up,

hoping a good samaritan will show mercy.

 

All hope was slipping away,

when an older man offers him a sandwhich

and hot coffee.

He wants to thank him,

but bows his head

ashamed of what he has become.

 

As the temperature drops

he snuggles under his tattered blanket.

He dreams of the past when he was successful.

He had a wife, two kids and a dog,

he was resourceful and well respected.

 

Everything that meant something to him was taken

by a drunk driver.

Being so consumed with grief,

he lost his dignity, integrity, sanity.

 

He prays for better days,

but the anger inside is so strong.

He just keeps going deeper and deeper into the

hole he has dug for himself.

There's no way out, no where to go,

except futher down.

 

Each day he holds up his sign.

Some people will help, while others pass him by,

leaving him to drown in his own  self pity.

 

 

Author's Note

Hope it's worth reading!

Reviews

[iamcarolfierce]

It really is worth reading. May people do not realize what they have 'til it's gone. I admit I was one of them. This poem made grasp up some things that I have and how I should value those. Thank you for creating this poem. This will be a wonderful tool for me to have a reflection.

[Mason]

this is very good. i cant imagine a better description of the emotions of a homeless person. I pass by them every day on the streets, not knowing anything of their story. So sad yet so beautiful. well done

[Kelsie Eileen Stark]

Theres actually only one way when your in that pit so deep; thats up. Great poem.