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You may see me out on the streets
Lying curled up in a foetal position my sleeping bag in a shop doorway
Trying to get a few hours sleep here in my latest home in cardboard city …
I never stay more than a few nights in one place
can never really settle; these streets aren’t safe

You may see me out on the streets
I’m sitting on the cold damp pavement with an empty coffee cup in my hand 
Hoping for a coin or two so I can have some real food in my aching belly
Still you hurry past, trying to avoid making eye contact…
Believe me, it’s so degrading rummaging in the litter bins like a wild animal
But some days it’s the only way I can get any food to eat

The biting cold and wet weather is my worst enemy
I can never get warm even when the sun shines
This is no life, just a way of surviving another day

Guess you think I’m a waster, a dirty tramp
You walk on by; judge me without knowing what lead me to life on the streets
Bet you think I’m a druggie or an alcoholic
I guess most people seem to think that
They see my filthy clothes, straggly hair and grey beard

Just five years ago I was like many of you
I had a career, a beautiful wife, and two lovely children
Spent many months away from home fighting for my country

But then I got sent to Afghanistan…
I saw scenes no man should ever have to witness
I was traumatised
Forever suffering flashbacks of the faces of those innocent people
The children, oh those  children – made me think of my two boys back at home
I couldn’t cope any more, had a total mental breakdown

I was a broken man … 
My wife could no longer deal with the mood swings , the erratic behaviour
The Army did little to help – 
discharged me on health grounds, then basically abandoned me
Now I’ve lost everything … my wife, family, my dignity

Many of the people you see on the streets are like me …
We all have a story to tell, but no one gives us the time of day
Passers-by avert their eyes and hurry past like we are invisible
Your eyes may tell you one thing… but please don’t judge me
Because you don’t know me

07~21~15



This was written back in 2015 before premier contests were introduced to soup. Although it has been placed in standard contests I feel it is one of my better efforts and worthy of a trophy win
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