Valerie Bellefleur Poet Narrative

The Transient

Down a prairie road he trudges
Kicking up dust in the sultry summer
Of a late August sky
Many follow with a tune in their heads
And carboard in their shoes
Shirts soaked with sweat
Knarled hands and gaunt faces
A hole in their pockets
And eyes that stare but do not see
Last cigarette tucked behind 
An ear red and peeling
Mosquitoes bite sunburned flesh
Throws his leg over the barbed wire
A train whistle sounds in the distance
Yes, the rail is singing
Jump on the train
And travel on to nowhere town
Maybe a job for a few pennies?
A cup of hope

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Ahellas Alixopulos July 22, 2008 at 9:42 AM Good Poem, especially since Ijust fininshed teaching about the 30's depression. But also wanted to answer your question about "da kine", it is an all purpose word used by locals that speak pidgin in Hawaii. It can be a verb, adjective or noun . In this case it works for rhymming and means generic tourist hotel. Thanks for your kind words, best wishes, ahellas

Matthew Anish July 21, 2008 at 4:12 PM Well i finally a good poem about hoboes. I can think of two good songs about this theme: "King of the Road" by Roger Miller and "Hobo's Lullaby" by Woody Guthrie. "A cup of hope" is something we all need! Nice work!

Michael Degenhardt July 21, 2008 at 5:23 AM Wonderfully visual as if an excerpt from a movie or in fact life. I enjoy your poetry very much. Michael