Invisible: Co-Written With C Devonshire

clad in rags, he wanders on Wall Street
   he is invisible to hustling stock brokers
       he is a man with no money, no property
          a hapless struggler of excessive loan burdens
 
bitter winter winds blow across Broadway
   he is invisible to affluent theatre-goers wearing warm winter coats
      he is a man who watches them scurry past the cardboard box that is his bed
        like a rain-dog, huddling in the shadows of alleys and doorways
 
he hears deafening explosions of New Year fireworks
    he is invisible to the revellers
       he is a man who cowers, recalling gunfire of a war he fought
         echoing through his mind in restless nights
           the incessant thumping of traumatic stress
 
he is invisible...a victim of post-Vietnam, Afghanistan and Iraq
    who once bore a uniform and served his country with pride 
       he is invisible suffering alone, paying the price 
         through severe disabilities and permanent scars
 
with sadness, he watches voters going to the polls
    he is invisible, a veteran with no voice in elections
        he is a man who cannot vote without an “address”
           a placard on a pavement might catch the eye
   
unemployed, homeless, unseen
    but most of all forgotten
       he is a man who seems invisible
          but he is still a man


-------------------------------------------------------------
This is co-written by Paul Callus & Carolyn Devonshire
in remembrance of our war veterans.

[Published @ Muse to Move (A.P.F. Publisher UK 2017]
Copyright © | Year Posted 2014

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

Murray Avatar
September 29, 2020 at 3:30 PM
This is incredibly sad and profound. Wounded and forgotten vets are a grave source of shame. Thank you for the reminder.
Callus Avatar
September 29, 2020 at 11:33 PM
What a pleasant surprise finding you at my door this morning, Pam! Thank you for the visit and the lovely comments which accompany it. Have a lovely day! // paul
Schack Avatar
November 18, 2019 at 9:47 PM
great words. I don't know military life or homelessness but I've experienced disrespect, despondency, lack of love in people, and just plain disgust. many of us have. feel free to see and/or comment mine on the soup. be well, Daniel schack
Callus Avatar
November 23, 2019 at 3:41 PM
Pleased to make your acquaintance, Daniel. I noticed that you have been on Soup several years before me! Thank you for stopping by; your comments and the 'like' are appreciated. Regards // paul
Bocsa Avatar
December 9, 2014 at 11:29 AM
I enjoyed the visible and invisible feelings,the told and and untold words ,present,past and future as living in each image you shared us.Best tegards.
Callus Avatar
December 9, 2014 at 12:32 PM
Thank you Ovidiu; your insightful comments are much appreciated. // paul
Yvonne Avatar
November 20, 2014 at 1:21 PM
I am left speechless. Brilliant. Fav
Callus Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 3:37 PM
Ohhh....and thank you for the FAV...!!!
Callus Avatar
November 21, 2014 at 3:36 PM
Thank you for the 'brilliant' comment, Maurice. I love it...so will Carolyn! // paul
Chakrabarty Avatar
November 19, 2014 at 5:19 AM
He is "invisible"I suffer a horror. Is it human existence? I am here but nobody can see me nobody loves me nobody cares for me. I am a forgotten man. Hey my heart aches. Carolyn is a poet par excellence and you are so great Paul.A wonderful combination. Both are 'in sync' really so .Love XXXX RAJAT PS: Adding it to my fav
Callus Avatar
November 19, 2014 at 11:45 AM
You are very kind Rajat....both Carolyn and I love your great comments...and the fav!! Thank you! // paul
Devonshire Avatar
November 18, 2014 at 2:09 PM
Dear Paul, We have written many poems together now and this is among my favorites. You take my thoughts and turn them into poetry. You are an angel, dear friend, and I appreciate all of the comments from our readers. We do seem to be "in sync" when we write together. I can't begin to tell you how much joy you've brought into my life. Have a wonderful week, my friend! Love, Carolyn
Callus Avatar
November 18, 2014 at 5:03 PM
Dear Carolyn, I have read some very lovely comments on this post, but I must admit that this one tops them all:) You have a caring heart and you instinctively think of others and their needs. (It is in giving that we receive.)I feel honored to know that our meeting on soup means something special to you; same feelings are sincerely reciprocated. Thank you for letting me take a ride on your train of life:) Love and hugs // paul
Sathasivam Avatar
November 18, 2014 at 2:46 AM
Excellent write. Great collaboration between you and Carol. Enjoyed reading it.
Callus Avatar
November 18, 2014 at 11:08 AM
Thank you Ravi; Carolyn has been the primal source of this collaboration. Regards...paul
Guzzi Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 5:06 PM
I can see both Carolyn & you in this write, it's a fine blending! Light & Love
Callus Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 5:25 PM
I agree with you Debbie...it is a fine blending and I am sure nobody will be able to tell who wrote what!! Take care. // paul
Lamoureux Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 4:22 PM
I come into contact with men like this quite often. It is sad that those who have sacrificed so much are left with such little. This is a fitting dedication to their humanity. You both have done well with this piece.
Callus Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 4:39 PM
Well commented Richard. People are urged to look at the face of humanity...it is said that seeing is believing...and reacting, too...I hope! Thank you for the 'like'. // paul
Walker  Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 2:55 PM
Superlatively written Paul and Carol... The emotions within are powerful. Enjoyed... Verlena
Callus Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 3:00 PM
Your enjoyment is our pleasure, Verlena:) So glad you enjoyed our offering. Thank you! // paul
Dunn Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 12:42 PM
Paul amazing I agree with Dorian, this is a 7 collaboration between you and Carol. By reading this wonderous work I can feel the sorry of this poor fellow, that the two of you have written about. The depth of cold abandonment he so feels, comes well across your verse and page here. Bravo, many of the homeless are ignored passed by love the invisible man angle. Great job to both of you guys, take care cheri
Callus Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 2:59 PM
Thank you Cherl for a lovely visit and the insightful comments. The high rating is also much appreciated. Carolyn will like your comments, too. Take care. // paul
Petersen Potter Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 2:03 AM
Amazing collaboration between you and Carol. Dynamic write. A 7 for you both! :)Love and hugs! xxx D.
Callus Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 9:37 AM
Many thanks Dorian; so pleased that you found our co-write to your liking; your 'dynamic' comments are appreciated:) /x/ paul
Smith Avatar
November 16, 2014 at 4:32 PM
A great write...you two have a great chemistry... Tim
Callus Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 9:36 AM
Wow thank you Tim! Carolyn will be pleased to hear that, too! // paul
Chircop Avatar
November 16, 2014 at 4:03 PM
I read this beauty on Caroline's but its great to reread it.No one should ever be homeless Paul More and more our hereos. Its not charity to give shelter to homeless,No!Its a task We should fulfill cause its every human's right never to loose his dignity. We are obliged to make sure noone suffers from such issues Heartwrenching!!!Charma
Callus Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 9:35 AM
Thank you for stopping by to reread this poem, Charm, and to help pass on the message. Your comments are very supportive. // paul
Allison Avatar
November 16, 2014 at 2:27 PM
This should never be happening to these amazing heroes but sadly you hear of it all too often. Love the repeated phrases makes the poem so powerful - awesome write Carolyn and Paul:-) Its a 7 from me:-) Hugs jan
Callus Avatar
November 17, 2014 at 9:31 AM
The physical suffering is bad enough, but for many there are also the traumatic effects which linger on. Therapy and counseling help, but the scars will remain. Thank you for the insightful comments. hugs // paul
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