The Homeless

Twas the night before Christmas
He sat near the street
With his dog in a blanket
Warming his feet

The sidewalk was cold
His windbreaker thin
He longed for a scarf
To cover his chin

He wished that his pants
Were free of the holes
And dreamed of new shoes
Without paper soles

He played his violin
With a melancholy ring
Like the sound of an angel
Which made the heart sing

Where once he had played
To whomever he choose
But his life took a turn
When he fell for the booze

The snowflakes fell softly 
And peppered his hair
As he faintly heard carols
In the soft evening air

He counted his money
And wrapped up the dog
Shouldered his knapsack
And walked through the fog

Tomorrow was Christmas
To him one more day
To walk in the streets
With his violin to play
Copyright © | Year Posted 2007

Poem

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Bellefleur Avatar
January 1, 2014 at 10:32 AM
Thank you all for your comments... been down where it is the best place to write what you are seeing and feeling for these people...
Maverick Avatar
January 1, 2014 at 10:02 AM
And so it is for some Valerie, I wonder if some can ever make it back.. Or even if it wasn't part of their choice getting there... all the best on the win Joe..'
Mehta Avatar
December 28, 2013 at 6:49 AM
Enjoyed the poem and congrats on the win,Valerie
Sharma Avatar
December 27, 2013 at 3:45 AM
Such a heart touching and poignant poem
A   Avatar
December 27, 2013 at 1:46 AM
Valerie, .. CONGRATULATIONS -thank you for supporting my contest. Wishing you the best when it comes to Health and Happiness, this coming New Year! xox..Linda
Guzzi Avatar
October 23, 2009 at 4:08 PM
so sad...yet he was doing as he wished I guess? only we can change our own destinys but one should help when one can. You've a kind heart! Light & Love
Suzadail Jr. Avatar
August 5, 2008 at 12:09 PM
This one is special. Unless we walked that mile..... This touches the heart. Vince
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