Homework WE 4/7/16 - Homeless

[Shelley Hansen]

Well, this week's prompts certainly took me down a dark path, Maureen - and I'm not quite sure why. Perhaps it was the contrast between the "dusty corners" and "coral reef". Anywhere, here goes ...

HOMELESS
(c) Shelley Hansen 22/6/16

The morning shines on city streets that sparkle in the light.
It's time to go to work for most; the coffee shops are bright
with chatter ... while in dusty corners serving as a bed
lie those who in their homelessness, see darker days ahead.

The foetal curl of desperation, flanked by cardboard walls;
the public toilets all they have for times when nature calls.
The pitiful possessions in a Woolworths shopping bag;
a threadbare blanket serving as a torn and tattered swag.

We're quick to blame the scourge of drink and drugs. Perhaps it's true
that some have reaped the consequence of what they chose to do.
But some have - without reason - without action - without blame -
been forced by bitter circumstance to share this street of shame.

They'll never taste the sweet smell of success, won't have a chance
to climb the social ladder, make a living or advance.
Yes, this is the reminder that the city is a place
of tragedy and hopelessness ... as we avert our face.

Apparently oblivious to sounds of early day
they sleep until they're moved along, to slowly melt away.
But they'll return tonight, still cold and silent in their grief
beneath shop window TV screens that stream the coral reef.

[Maureen K Clifford]

Well written and you put the prompts to good use as well. Winter time is always more of a worry for homeless people with the cold weather making it increasingly difficult for them. I wish more of our coffee shops/eateries would embrace the pay it forward scheme so that they at least stood a chance of getting a hot drink or a meal at no charge ...and Street Swags is a good cause to support if every there are a few spare $'s around http://www.streetswags.org/. All charities are chasing the $'s these days and it is becoming increasingly difficult to help everyone.