Arthur Vaso | + Follow Poet |
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Cardboard Boxes

Discarded in yesterdays trash
Cardboard boxes never last
New things arrive in them
Old things stored in them
Rotting boxes on a voyage
Leftovers to those with out any coinage

Tom O’Seary had come down on his luck
Just couldn’t seem to make a buck
An elder at church who snuck a shot in a lurch
Now he sleeps in the rain
Cardboard box umbrellas
His home and his pain

One cold winter day
Poor old tom was dead where he lay
Inside his cardboard box
Was his last writings and will and the lot

I, Tom O’Seary of no determined address
I write these words, for they are my last will I confess
I regret all the pompous ways I was an ass
I missed the meaning of the messages, thus I was crass

Now you will lay me below the green grass
I thought I’d be looking down from heavens gates of glass
I was wrong about that too, so wrong
I am just rotting here in the green green grass

My purpose in life may not have been clear
The irony of death is now I know what’s so dear
Live this life with kindness and love
Or else on your grave will be the droppings of white doves

Copyright © Arthur Vaso | Year Posted 2016

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Darren White Date: 1/3/2017 9:17:00 AM Sometimes you blow me away, take my breath away. I haven't met many compassionate people like you are... But luckily I did in the end, and here I am... Thank you for being you. Login to Reply

Carole Duet Date: 10/29/2016 3:48:00 PM This is so sad and yet so profound. "There but for the grace of God go I", should be the mantra of everyone who sees a homeless person. And, so many people are only one paycheck away from homelessness. I am sure everyone here loves you, Arthur, and wishes you the best in whatever struggle you are going through. Just use your head and pray and I will be praying for you. Someone once said, "Never give up". That is what we must do. Great poem full of emotion which makes one THINK. Login to Reply Arthur Vaso Date: 10/30/2016 6:55:00 PM You are so kind Carole, I hate to see anyone suffering!

Paul Callus Date: 10/28/2016 12:02:00 PM I pity people like Tom O’Seary. Is theirs a half-wasted life...the result of bad luck, mismanagement, the victims of social unfairness? Whatever it is, all should be worthy of a dignified death. // paul Login to Reply Arthur Vaso Date: 10/30/2016 6:54:00 PM Yes Paul, I couldn't agree more, I find it sad to see anyone at all in suffering of any kind.

Gary Bateman Date: 10/24/2016 6:27:00 PM Hello Arthur, I certainly agree absolutely with Dave's comment below (and Tim Smith's too)!! Deep, introspective, as well as, poignant, powerful, and compelling. This is a human tragedy that defies all words. Your last stanza drives the point home. Superb Write!! TR/FAV for sure!! Best Always, Gary Login to Reply Arthur Vaso Date: 10/30/2016 6:53:00 PM Thanks Gary, much appreciated! :)

Nette Onclaud Date: 10/24/2016 11:09:00 AM excruciating yet wonderfully crafted, arthur... each ' human box' must be marked,' handle with care..' huggs Login to Reply Arthur Vaso Date: 10/24/2016 5:55:00 PM Oh I like what you said Nette! So true, there is a poem in that comment! hugs!

Tim Smith Date: 10/24/2016 10:00:00 AM This so sad. Life is tough enough, no jobs, people turn a blind eye. I'm seeing our youth living in tents in our downtowns because they cant afford housing...great write. Login to Reply Arthur Vaso Date: 10/24/2016 5:55:00 PM Thanks Tim, I think anyone who see's that, might spout some profanity, then again, some talk about it, some like you actually care.

Eileen Manassian Date: 10/23/2016 11:16:00 PM Cardboard box umbrellas His home and his pain....Loved the way you brought the words together in these two lines, dear....So powerful. This is an incredibly deep message. I guess we can all be pompous asses at times! ;) Hugs Login to Reply Arthur Vaso Date: 10/24/2016 5:53:00 PM Oh Dear Eileen, not you! Maybe me but not you, you can only be but one thing, the princess of poetry! hugs!