Homeless in the Rain

The sky, heavy-laden with curdled black clouds,
Burst wide open, and all night long it rained.
It pitter-pattered on the panes,
And rattling on the slanting roofs.
It churned the dry soil to a pulp,
Overflowed the dusty gutters.
It drove the people from the streets,
And moaned amongst the houses.
 
'Twas but a fluke, a summer storm
Lightning snaked the sky
Thunder rumbled and crashed
Instilling fear and panic in passers-by.
Soon it abated to a drizzle,
A thin mist shrouded the square.
And as the town clock struck the sixth hour
Ghostly figures ventured forth again.
 
Yet during all this precipitation
He trudged alone along the streets,
Rain dribbled through his matted hair
And wetted stubble on his dirty face.
It cleansed his external demeanour
From the grime of past lazy days,
It could do nothing to eradicate 
The heaviness that filled his inner self.
 
The air was warm, and strange enough
He felt little discomfort from the rain.
The vault of heavy clouds ascended,
The breeze was gentle and fresh.
 
He went back to his favourite place,
The bakery shop has not yet opened,
From its cellars hot dry air
Surged up, surrounded by his whole being,
Warming him from the wet chill.
He soaked up the fragrant smell
And yearning for freshly baked bread,
A luxury he could ill afford.
 
And so he continued on his journey,
Alone, atoning for his past.
Hungry and desolate and chained,
Externally cleansed by the drenching rain
Until the day he'd die.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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12
Rodgers Avatar
January 19, 2024 at 6:45 AM
Dear Victor, Your poem is a stark portrayal of the harsh realities faced by those less fortunate. The vivid imagery and emotive language create a powerful narrative that evokes empathy and understanding. Your words point us to the resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of adversity. Wonderful poem that is a call to action. - Blessings, Daniel
Bayles Avatar
January 13, 2024 at 9:23 AM
Victor, I much enjoyed this poem. It is so vivid and alive.
Volumes Avatar
January 9, 2024 at 2:45 AM
Victor this is truly amazing. The story you tell is so realistic. You haven't embellished it to draw the readers tears, but you approached the subject head on, and depicted the plight of a lonely man. A favorite for me. Your story telling prowess is phenomenal.
Rodrigues Avatar
January 8, 2024 at 8:13 AM
The Lord sends rain upon all. A cleansing for this homeless no-body who yearns for his daily bread. Love your imagery and ponder the fate of the homeless. God bless you, my friend!
Seeker Avatar
January 8, 2024 at 1:22 AM
A sad, melancholic mood … yet beautifully penned, Victor
Dietrich Avatar
January 7, 2024 at 9:16 AM
Such a sad tale but your descriptive writing is outstanding, especially the imagery of the horrible rain storm.
George Avatar
January 6, 2024 at 7:10 PM
A soul stirring story so beautifully and poignantly enumerated. I can visualize him walking alone through the street drenched in rain. Love the expression... 'lightning snaked the sky'
Andresen Avatar
January 6, 2024 at 12:47 PM
- A sad story, Victor ... great written as always :) - Have a lovely weekend :) - hugs
Messina Avatar
January 6, 2024 at 5:10 AM
Wow! What a write, Victor. A sad tale indeed. Your description of this poor man was amazing and leaves the reader a vivid imagery. Great writing! Hope you are feeling better, my friend.
Williams Avatar
January 5, 2024 at 7:32 PM
Dear Victor telling it like only you can, full of imagery and depth. You always give us depth to your poems, always something to be learned. I'm guessing that behind the external cleansing this poor man still feels the heaviness and uncleanliness of his past. Great write dear Victor....Hugs
Fernandez-Garcia Avatar
January 5, 2024 at 5:39 PM
Very deep and sad story Victor. But life is not a fairy tale. Whatever you say is the reality and cruel life to be listened. Applause to your story in spite of the ending. Love your poetry too, because you bring reality to our lives. Poetry is not to be writing on a red carpet, poetry is writing with all the feelingsxxx
Baker Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 5:47 PM
Sad tale, Victor, but well written poetry, my friend. Those of us that have been blessed with so much, like food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and hope, are indebted to the provider of all that is good, our Creator. We should help when we can as we are led by the Spirit within. Smiles ~ Blessings Bill
Buehler Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 4:13 PM
Your heartbreaking, poignant story was written with compassion for the homeless, of which, there are far too many. Thank you for sharing this great poem.
May Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 12:18 PM
A poignant write on the plight of the homeless, as they weather many storms, Well written Victor
Kendrick Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 12:11 PM
Sad situation which still happens today especially so in the larger cities even though there are helps available out there to get the person/s off the street and into a caring situation. Oh, this one brought back memories of fresh bread baking and the lucious taste of just a small piece. Thanks for sharing this one with us and for dropping by my page. Sara ..How are you doing?
Greenhough Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 11:43 AM
Oh so sad. I once knew a man like this who was in much greater straits because of a serious handicap. Rich or poor, may each of us live on our own terms.and offer a helping hand, a loaf of bread.
One Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 11:25 AM
This is heart breaking Victor..
Empress Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 10:56 AM
What a poignant and soulful write this is, it truly hits so strong and deep dear victor. I felt the depth of what youv conveyed here in such a descriptive manner. And its so very touching and moving. Pleasure reading this.
Poet Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 9:40 AM
Victor, this poem is truly remarkable in its ability to uplift and inspire. Your selflessness and genuine consideration for others shine through your words, making you a true poet. The vivid imagery of a storm looming over a man adds a heartfelt depth to the overall message.
DiMino Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 9:37 AM
Well told, victor. True to life, and if not for the Grace of God, there go I. I related very intimately to this fine work. Brilliantly penned and told. Blessings.
Roper Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 8:55 AM
Great heartfelt imagery of a storm over the man. Many blessings my friend
Mcintosh Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 8:27 AM
So sad, disquieting, a moment who tempts the heart and silences the dreams. So disquieting. Beautifully written. God bless you. Love, Gina
Anaya Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 6:51 AM
The imagery, the sounds of the pouring rain, the protagonists , as if you were there, Victor. An amazing piece. Compelling. "Until the day he'd die" chilling
Pandit Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 6:14 AM
What a touching story, Victor--perfectly told in exquisite details!
Legros Kelley Avatar
January 4, 2024 at 4:26 AM
This is sad Victor. It is horrible to think that some people really have no hope, continuing in that sad state until the day of death...tragic.
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