Ann Peck Poet Couplet

Notes About The Poem

Title borrowed from a Beatles' song.

Nowhere Man

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 December 28, 2022 at 6:13 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 January 14, 2023 at 12:00 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 August 4, 2021 at 8:23 PM -- either that or he's a 'Fool on a Hill.' ~ Ringo Ann Peck August 6, 2021 at 1:14 PM HaHa! Very good, Gershon :)

Gary Radice August 2, 2021 at 12:44 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 August 3, 2021 at 8:39 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 July 27, 2021 at 1:44 PM Sad that many end up on that downward spiral, Makes you count your blessings Ann. Tom Ann Peck July 27, 2021 at 3:56 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.