Phil Capitano Poet Ekphrasis

Written In Beige

Written In Beige

Against the bleak bank wall he leans
as the sidewalk moves sideways
across his tangential thoughts.
People pass, the dull parade,
the money-grubbers and hoarders
in their shiny suits that mock
his existence. Sad clouds meld
into a sullen gray sky…it must be raining
somewhere. Clink! Silver coin
rattles metal can. He wonders, when
did the colours disappear?
The pungent aroma from Mickey’s
Taco Wagon punishes his senses
and his eyes begin to leak. He’s hungry.
There was a time when his words
were golden, a rainbow of passion.
He had a family, people who loved him.
A November wind kicks him…no, wait!
Security guard motions as another
peers from behind motion-sensing
cameras. Not wanted. He disappears
next to the discoloured taupe wall.
The mystery: how did his life story
get written in beige?


*Note: this is written in honour of a homeless poet named Raimundo Arruda Sobrinho but, in essence, for every homeless person.

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Robert J Moore June 29, 2021 at 6:00 PM The sad thing is, many of us have a fear of the homeless, as if it is their fault, and a fear of over, or under, stepping, with what you say and do, so we turn our head, and walk by. Never thinking "There but for the Grace of God" (or except for a lucky life) go I. Well done.

Anil Deo March 31, 2017 at 5:05 PM And yes, you are all so right, it takes no effort to become homeless. In this crazy kind of economy (I call it, political capitalism v. competitive/non-corporate true markets), any one can be suddenly homeless. Blessings, Anil Deo

Anil Deo March 31, 2017 at 5:02 PM You do honour the least-honoured and I thank you for keeping eyes, ears,heart ... open. Thanks and Shalom Phil. Anil

Darlene De Beaulieu March 13, 2017 at 2:29 PM Wow Phil, that is some poetry you wrote. I could see all these scenes in my imagination, as I was reading it. Phil Capitano March 13, 2017 at 2:48 PM Thanks Darlene, I was trying to incorporate all the senses in this piece. I now volunteer at a men's shelter/food bank to repay those who helped me get back on my feet and thanks for asking. Namaste. Darlene De Beaulieu March 13, 2017 at 2:36 PM I am hoping that you are having a better kife now. Homless people need a lot help,and I hope they get it.

Tony Devers March 9, 2017 at 9:46 AM Powerful stuff. I can smell that Taco Wagon, and we don't even have Tacos where I'm from. Point is, you communicate the hunger, and the cold. I step over homeless people on my way in to work every day. That just can't be right in a first world city. Phil Capitano March 9, 2017 at 10:00 AM Thanks Tony, it is all too easy to not see 'them' but as the saying goes, "there but the grace of God go I".

Tomas Vincent Marra March 7, 2017 at 8:17 AM A great piece about an allvtoo often overlooked issue. Phil Capitano March 7, 2017 at 11:24 AM Thanks Tomas, this is a personal issue for me having spent some time on the streets.

Andrea Dietrich January 21, 2017 at 9:44 PM Phil, this is the best written poem I think I have read tonight. FAVE Phil Capitano January 22, 2017 at 6:14 AM Thanks Andrea, this poem evolved over the course of writing it and took on a life of its own. Namaste.

Keith Haines January 21, 2017 at 9:40 AM Your poem is a question all too many people ask of themselves in South Africa More than 16 million must wonder, sometimes quietly, sometimes in expressions of fear and anger, how their lives lost vital colour. I relate, living in South Africa all my life and meeting maybe 10 or more different homeless people each day on my way to work. I am privilledged having work. Phil Capitano January 21, 2017 at 10:13 AM Thank you for your sincere comments. Briefly I was homeless so my heart was really struck by the many who deal with this every day.

Forrest Pasky January 20, 2017 at 11:02 AM Well spoken message. Very nicely done.

White Wolf January 20, 2017 at 4:25 AM Sad but true! But a great write Phil!

Matthew Anish January 19, 2017 at 11:44 PM I see too many people like this on the streets of New York City. Thoughtful work here! Peace & Blessings Matthew Anish

Chris Green January 19, 2017 at 4:14 PM This was very cool Phil, sad and lonely and a life in beige. Really well done. Phil Capitano January 19, 2017 at 6:16 PM Thanks Chris. I added the note that this was written for the homeless poet Sobrinho whose poetry and courage is truly inspiring.

Heidi Sands January 19, 2017 at 3:59 PM Wow, powerful write. Sad.. reaches the heart in a big way. Well done...Phil! Phil Capitano January 19, 2017 at 6:13 PM Thanks so much ~ written for the homeless poet Raimundo Sobrinho.

Tim Smith January 19, 2017 at 3:26 PM Terrific write Phil...I feel you

John Beam January 19, 2017 at 3:24 PM Very nice, Phil. You got my vote, great write!