The Man on the Corner - A Poem of the Homeless

Today, it is estimated that nearly 3,600 people are homeless in England alone.  The Labour says that they can remove homelessness wishing 5 years if voted into Westminster.  But there many reasons for homelessness:

• No job (some may have a job, but no place no place to stay)
• Disabled 
• Unaffordable houses 
• Drug problems
• Abandoned 
• On the run 

The list is endless, I have no doubt.

I was inspired to write this poem by seeing a homeless sitting on the corner of the street junction of the B861 and Church Street in Inverness, beneath a clock tower.  This poem is for the homeless.

There he is
     The lonely man
Is he standing?
     No, he sits there
Does he sit straight?
     No, he sits bent-double
How does he sit?
     He sits with his legs crossed
He wears clothes like us
     But he can't afford clothes new
All he might afford
     Is meals small from McDonald's
As he watches the opposite restaurant
     While its visitors delight themselves with meals extra large
Does he have deformed?
     None that can be shown to our eyes
What does he drink?
     Drink? ye ask me. What drink?
From the cup before him?
     Oh that is no drink he possesses
Then what?
     A place for coins
What coins?
     From passer-bys like us
We take loose change out
     That choke up our wallets or purses
To drop into his cup
     While we will sport with tener notes later
Sometimes a coin
     Can be joined by rarest notes
Does he speck?
      Very rarely
Where does he speck?
      Where do you speck?
What speech does he give?
      One of gratefulness to those like me
All I hear when I drop a coin
      Is a grateful "Thank you kind sir."
That is all
      That I hear
But I'm sure he specks
     When he asks for few offered comforts
When does he sit?
     Any time of his liking
All weathers?
     Hot shine or rain cold
Is he moved?
     I don't see it, but I imagine by force
Why do you tell me?
     What time of year is it?
Christmas, of course, so?
     It's a time of giving and charity
What can be done for him?
     Open your heart and empty your wallet or purse
What's his story?
     Sadly one of too many, take a pick
Know what I was for Christmas?
     You want the latest Xbox game, don't you?
What do you want for Christmas?
     I'd like a family Christmas for me
What he'd want for Christmas?
     Charity to begin with, then a good home
Who'd give him that?
     Those who'd give more than given
What's his shelter from night cold?
     His shelter is his coat and anywhere he wonders
Is there any hope for him?
     If you're willing to give hope
And if ask me
     It would be his favourite Christmas present this year

I hope that you've enjoyed this piece and that you will help spread Christmas joy to the homeless this Christmas.  Merry Christmas.