He Haunts the Back Streets

He haunts the back streets
  hugging the sides of buildings
Unseen, unfelt, unloved
  a statistic in a dusty cabinet file

Raising up on sole-less shoes
  He sneaks a view from the alley
ice on every windowpane
  conversations mixing with steam

He slinks to the edge of town
  to the bridge o'er the rushing river
Would God care if he took his life ~
  his lips involuntarily quivered
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Laurie Avatar
November 26, 2021 at 7:35 PM
Hello Gershon ... certainly a sad poem. Often I wonder how people in a situation like this survive in winter - thank you Gershon - Lindsay
Wolf Avatar
November 27, 2021 at 7:14 PM
You know, many don't. I always look to see how many of the beggars at a certain intersection near me don't come back the next year. Others do come back. They tell me 'This one and that one didn't make it.' Capitalism's darker side. ~ Not a socialist, but...
Krutsinger Avatar
November 24, 2021 at 10:26 PM
This poem reflects a side most hope none ever see.
Wolf Avatar
November 27, 2021 at 7:13 PM
Yeah, and when we see it, we avert our eyes...
George Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 8:01 PM
So sad ! Such scenes will haunt us for long ! Definitely the one born in the manger will care... ! Who else? Powerfully presented Gershon !
Wolf Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 8:17 PM
Thank you for (all of) the encouragement, Valsa. Here's to Daylight and Delight, Gershon
Edmonds  Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 7:56 PM
There for the grace of God go we, thankfully. Bless all the homeless, pray for their prosperity… Belle
Wolf Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 8:16 PM
That's what I say: Pretty paper, pretty pencils of blue... ~ Willie Nelson
Rodrigues Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 1:36 PM
Sole-less shoes…soulless perhaps…that question Would God care…really wants to know if he’s there. Great work, Gershon!
Wolf Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 3:14 PM
I think He cares, especially about the Widow, the Orphan, the Stranger, and the Poor. He is their de facto Father. Blessings, gw
Leffanta Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 11:08 AM
If we are to believe psychics, earth is crawling with souls creeping around in search of another way out of their misery other than becoming responsible for their own thoughts and actions . . . .
Wolf Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 3:05 PM
That is, of course, a fairly big if... believing in Psychics, that is...
Lawless Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 9:32 AM
...and yet to most who see him/her they are invisible....
Wolf Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 3:05 PM
Invisibility has its disadvantages, doesn't it? ~ M.J.
Y. Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 5:29 AM
WoW! Gershon, What a deep and heart-stirring write. You painted such a melancholy image with your words. In my opinion, God would care. Well done my friend-Alexis
Wolf Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 3:03 PM
I think that God would care too, Alexis. After all, He is the Father of the Widow, the Orphan, the Stranger --- and the Poor! When they are happy, so is He! Season's best, Gershon
Ball Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 1:38 AM
This is such a sad piece Gershon and all too true for many who people turn away from because they don't wish to see their plight. Well done. God Bless, JB
Wolf Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 2:59 PM
It's true. Most people turn away from such misery. Here's to happiness and health, Judy. :) gw
Buehler Avatar
November 22, 2021 at 10:41 PM
This is quite sad, but a truth for some who feel they have nowhere to turn. So heartfelt and well written, my friend. Best regards, Evelyn
Wolf Avatar
November 23, 2021 at 2:58 PM
I guess I was pretty close to this once, a long time ago. So it's (still) felt, even if it's far away now. Joy and more Joy, Gershon
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