His Jacket of Patches

You'd see him out in the early morn
   He'd sweep up trash others scorn
 
       a smile on his face
       on his lips an old song
       his jacket of patches
       with the elbows torn

He'd greet you by name
   Shake your hand if you'd time

Never asked for a hand-out
   Not so much as a dime... 

This winter I'd missed him
   Trash everywhere

Seems no one else noticed
   ~ Seems nobody cared
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Krutsinger Avatar
February 5, 2020 at 5:32 PM
Often the overlooked and understated are doing the most to help things run smoothly.
Wolf Avatar
February 5, 2020 at 10:43 PM
The overlooked are the 'glue' of society and most organizations that I have been a part of. Thanks for a great comment, Caren! ~ Gershon
Somadas Avatar
January 30, 2020 at 2:18 AM
All are in hurry... Not a minute to stop and check the missing parts.. As you said.. no one dared care.. Thoughtful theme and poem..
Wolf Avatar
January 30, 2020 at 12:54 PM
That's right. No one cares; It's a tough, unforgiving world out there, for the most part. Cheers, Gershon
Mchattie Avatar
January 29, 2020 at 7:57 PM
It seems to be human nature where we never fully appreciate someone until they are gone. Wonderful poem my friend. Have a great day.
Wolf Avatar
January 29, 2020 at 10:23 PM
Really --- much like you and me, I suppose, David. They'll say wonderful things about us---when we're gone. Cheery and Cheerio! ~ Gershon
Foster Avatar
January 29, 2020 at 7:33 PM
I am so sorry... he is gone? Our halleluja man is gone also. My heart was broken. I understand. So sad. Well written. As always you find a way to touch my heart, right to quick. Ann
Wolf Avatar
January 29, 2020 at 10:22 PM
Most always a sudden departure, with zero fanfare. Sad reality... Thanks, Ann. :) Gershon
Adams Avatar
January 29, 2020 at 7:28 PM
i could see him there through your words... hopefully he finally found somewhere to live and doesn't need to rummage through the trash... so many of them out there if people look...not many notice when they go missing either... good write Gershon! hugs
Wolf Avatar
January 29, 2020 at 10:20 PM
You've exposed my inability to put across the character I wanted to create. He was to be someone who was helping to clean the sidewalks --- not going through garbage cans --- but I lost my way in my search for rhyme and flow. Thanks. I wouldn't have noticed, except for your (correct!) comments. Warm wishes, Gershon
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace