Hosing the Sidewalks

In the mornings, building staff,
Equipped with long green hoses,
Wash sidewalks down, attentive to
What lurks beneath their noses.

Most often, it’s what’s left behind
By dogs which poo or piddle,
With owners who, despite the law,
Obey it very little.

Though yesterday, a homeless man
Sprawled on the sidewalk, sleeping.
Though he was dry, surrounding him,
Was proof of clean-up keeping.

Aside from where he lay, the street
Was wet from recent hosing,
A kindness from the worker,
Or at least what I’m supposing.

I’ve sometimes gotten spritzed a bit,
An accidental spraying,
But I was touched to see this dose
Of empathy displaying.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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Greenhough Avatar
September 24, 2024 at 8:54 PM
This is another fascination description of city life. I didn't know about the daily sidewalk cleanup. I hope the homeless man decides to try living indoors (but he may not).
Flood Avatar
September 24, 2024 at 3:24 PM
Smashing write, Ilene… except it reminds me of my guilt. Way way back, I was caught short on my late night walk from my works Bar to the train station. Normally I’d hold on but I was busting. Found an alleyway and peed against a pile of cardboard… which shouted, ‘HEY’… that must have been 45 years ago, but I still feel guilty when I’m reminded of it :-O
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