Homeless

[solwic]

Were I an artist, I would paint this scene:
a man in Goodwill handouts, head to toe,
who fights a losing battle, in between
bouts of coughing, cold, and flying snow.

But can a brushstroke capture hopelessness?
And can a canvas carry such a weight?
His stomach growls, protesting emptiness;
he worries that the winter won't abate

soon enough to save him from a cold
so violent that no newspaper could
sufficiently protect him. Truth be told,
he'd sell his soul to own a wooly hood.

The fire in a metal barrel flares,
and should he die tonight, nobody cares.



***Comments/suggestions/criticisms welcome and appreciated.

[mfwilkie]

Love the avatar!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!LMAO!!!!!

I read the the stresses two ways:

soon enough to save him from a cold


soon enough to save him from a cold

Some thoughts to ponder:

he worries that the winter won't abate;

a spring delayed won't save him from a cold


so violent that no newspaper could
sufficiently protect him. Truth be told,
he'd sell his soul to own a wooly hood.

..............................................a cold
so serious no paper-layered blanket
will offer him protection./can foster his protection. Truth be told,
he'd sell his soul to own a decent/hooded jacket/leather jacket.


The fire in a metal barrel flares,*
and should he die tonight, nobody cares.

*My thinking is this terrific image should end with a period.

The fire in a metal barrel flares.
And if he dies tonight...who cares?



Maggie