Homelessness

Homelessness He sits hunched over like an old man, Hood pulled over half his face, On the cold pavement by the door Of the busy local grocery store. A young man living in his demonic world, Listening to the voices in his head. Loudly conversing with no one, it seems, While waiting for a handout by any means. Homelessness can happen to any of us. It can happen in a blink of an eye. One day you’re living your comfortable life, The next you can’t work, nothing but strife. Perhaps succumbed to addiction With alcohol and drugs in this dirty world. Caught up in an endless downhill spiral, Surviving on the streets, it becomes viral. Misfortune cause bills to accumulate, Rent or mortgage payments in arrears. Can’t pay for gas or car repairs Out on the street, always aware. A bicycle, if you’re lucky, Loaded up with your belongings. And a two wheeled cart to pull behind, As you pick through bins for your finds. Garbage bags piled high With empty bottles worth a refund. Out at dawn from house to house What can you find, you have some doubts. At dusk you look for shelter In a doorway or under cardboard scraps. Your canine friend pressed close for warmth To protect your things out in the storm. You wake up to yet another cold dawn, As the days are getting shorter. A kind stranger hands you steaming coffee As you awaken shivering and groggy.