SALLY THE RECYCLER

In local park you’ll see her foraging.
In every litter bin she digs deep down
To see what precious prize there hides away.
With ginger overcoat and auburn hair
She is the cunning urban fox at work,
Scattering and leaving rubbish here and there. 
She has her large shopping trolley in tow
To collect and transport her daily takings. 

All of that nasty plastic she rejects
And filthy dog pooh bags she flings afar.
But all those drinks cans have real value
As she can sell them for some ready cash.
Part eaten pizzas pieces she unearths
And provide her with a welcome working snack.

Recycling other’s trash is Sally’s game.
And lots of free pickings she takes each day.
It’s how she lives; she feels no shame.
In local park you’ll see her foraging.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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

M  Avatar
November 14, 2024 at 10:55 AM
I would assume Sally has no choice but to do this which is incredibly sad….l would love to know her story Tony. Its unbelievable how and where some people come from and get this point in their life! Great poem Tony…..makes you think! Debxp
Hargreaves Avatar
November 16, 2024 at 11:12 AM
Thanks for your comment Deb. I've watched many people rummaging for a living. It seems they receive the basics from social security and go out to earn a small bonus doing some recycling. It is their way. Good luck to them - their spirit of free enterprise is still alive. Tony.
Read Avatar
November 13, 2024 at 12:38 PM
Hi Tony, we have a old gentleman who frequents covent garden in London everyday, does the same thing, eating peoples leftovers from the bins,I often wonder why he does it, as he lives in the area which is an expensive place to live.
Hargreaves Avatar
November 14, 2024 at 10:14 AM
Many thanks John. I often see these folk foraging in parks. Perhaps the old gentleman in Covent Garden is doing it for need as he pays a fortune to live there. Or does he do it for other reasons? I wonder. Best wishes. Tony.
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