Nowhere Man

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Title borrowed from a Beatles' song.

He stumbles toward the neon light, shoulders hunched, face out of sight. It's not respect he seeks, but space to rest awhile, just need a place. "But don't get Jeeter's place, he's mean, and Mary Sue ain't all that keen." There's hieararachy out on the streets, abandonment in all he meets. His life is played from score to score; it doesn't goad him anymore. He held the world but let it slip while grasping for another hit of that white bliss it always gave while seeking its next hungry slave. He'll make his bed on winter's street, buy some pills for a sweet sleep; with week-old news to keep him warm, moonlight to kiss his tortured arm.

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Susan Ashley

Date: 12/28/2022 6:13:00 PM

Dear Ann, your poignant portrait of the Nowhere Man is haunting in its daunting imagery. You capture the desperation of this man with an empathy and intimacy that allows one to feel his pain and imagine how hard and cold his "bed" must be. We must remember this is not a lifestyle choice but a dreadful disease. A masterfully expressed and thought-provoking piece. Thank you for sharing your heart. Warmest wishes, my friend.. ~Susan

Ann Peck
Date: 1/14/2023 12:00:00 PM

Dear Susan, Thank you for your kind comments. My friend's nephew now languishes in jail for selling drugs. At least a bed and something to eat. Yes, it is an illness we simply must treat! He doesn't want to get well; loves his drugs. No place wants him. It's sad beyond belief.

Gershon Wolf

Date: 8/4/2021 8:23:00 PM

-- either that or he's a 'Fool on a Hill.' ~ Ringo

Ann Peck
Date: 8/6/2021 1:14:00 PM

HaHa! Very good, Gershon :)

Gary Radice

Date: 8/2/2021 12:44:00 PM

Ann, I just had to read this poem because of the title. :) You did it justice alright. I was wowed by the cadence of the couplets and the last two lines are as brilliant as they are poignant. Cheers - Gary

Ann Peck
Date: 8/3/2021 8:39:00 AM

Thanks so much, Gary! I searched and searched my brain and couldn't come up with a more apt title. Thank you, Beatles :) It's a sad world out there. I know this man (there are many, of course). He was once brilliant. Too sad.

Tom Cunningham

Date: 7/27/2021 1:44:00 PM

Sad that many end up on that downward spiral, Makes you count your blessings Ann. Tom

Ann Peck
Date: 7/27/2021 3:56:00 PM

it's so sad to see someone throw his life away because of drugs. I've always been afraid of drugs, thank goodness. Thanks for your comments, Tom.