Best Poems Written by Jessica Van Benthuysen

Courtyard On Huron Street

Indian summer fall day
Glimmering sunshine filtering through the swaying leaves
Casting shadows upon the sidewalk

Looking out a window
A homeless man is observed
As he begins to use the courtyard as his stage

Loneliness
Brings about the need to have imaginary conversation with the pedestrians
A need to hear ones own voice
Scurrying pedestrians are too frightened
To use the courtyard as a gathering place
To share lunch with friends

He walks away
He turns and gives the sign of the cross as if to imitate a priest
Portraying a blessing upon the stone bench
Which he is known to sleep on

He carries with him, his meek possessions
Stuffed into a makeshift pouch

Headed to another park to spend time alone
Hearing the sounds of the city
The sound of the city police
Stating he must vacate the premises

The homeless walk with their heads down
TO prevent seeing the look of disgust
As the pedestrians whiz by

Copyright © Jessica Van Benthuysen | Year Posted 2005