Ilene Bauer Poet Rhyme

Under the Overpass

My morning walk is sandwiched
‘Tween the river and the road
And I’ve seen a homeless guy there
With a tent as his abode.

Several others sleep on benches
And one slumbers on the ground,
Yet since yesterday a couple
On a mattress can be found.

They were curled up under covers
With no pillows and no sheets
Underneath a concrete overpass
Connecting to the streets.

Though at night it must be private,
In the early morning sun
They were there on view for exercisers
Out to walk or run.

Most just gave a glance and passed them
But I couldn’t help but muse
How they wound up on that mattress,
Not a “bedroom” one would choose.

Life is sometimes cruel and heartless,
Filled with status that appalls
And I felt for that poor couple
Who, at least, deserved some walls.

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Robert Johnson July 12, 2018 at 7:15 PM Homelessness tears at my heart like nothing else. I know there are many facets to the reality of it. But in a so called civilized society, it's just wrong.

Maurice Rigoler June 21, 2018 at 12:20 PM We have them here, too, Ilene. Some. however, refuse any kind of help at all, even from social services. An elderly "bag lady" in my town was like that. She passed away a few years ago. I wrote a few poems about her. Street beggars are also a problem here. How to know who is genuine, who the fake? That's the delemma for every conscience. Fine poem from your heart and pen (or typewriter). M

Caren Krutsinger June 20, 2018 at 3:20 PM What an empathetic write, Ilene. Well penned, and I believe that everyone does deserve walls for their sake as well as the neighbors.

Trevor Mcleod June 20, 2018 at 2:38 PM Hi Ilene. I appreciate you mentioning the poor. I've been writing alot about them lately. Our words seldom bring action though. You taking time to watch was inspiring in this write. Well approached! If you can, check my poem called Hunting The Poor. It's another take on the Poor. :) Trevor

Kim Rodrigues June 19, 2018 at 8:26 PM Nicely said! A poet’s testament!

Tom Cunningham June 19, 2018 at 4:23 PM So sad that in our civilised Societies' people are homeless Tom

Jan Allison June 19, 2018 at 2:30 PM What a heartfelt poem Ilene, it makes me wonder how life got so bad for them they ended up on the street, I am sure each has a sad sad story to tell and they aren't there by choice but by circumstances often out of their control. We are lucky on our little Island I've only seen one visibly homeless man but there are a lot of youngsters who 'couch surf' but at least they have somewhere to lay their heads at night:-( hugs jan xx