HOMELESS

Did you not see me as you passed by my door?
I think you did, but your eyes said, “Ignore”.
My hand was extended, I hoped you would care.
'That Look' in your eyes said. “You’re simply not there!”
I know 'That Look' when you stare straight ahead,
It says “I really don’t care if tomorrow you’re dead.”
I know all your thoughts 'That Look' says it for you.
“Find a job.” “Get a life.” “Don’t do drugs or sniff glue.”
“Don’t beg on street corners. You’ll starve if you do.”
“Authority should lock up all the vagrants like you.”

If only you knew all I’ve done and have been
If only you understood all the horrors I’ve seen
when I fought as a soldier, honoured the Queen.
I’ve been a good scholar, achieved BSc.
Excelled as an athlete. Been fishing at sea.
I’ve raced on a horse and driven fast cars,
flown a light aircraft, studied Pluto and Mars.
Shakespear and Homer, Vivaldi and Bach
Were once my companions but now are long past.

You know nothing of this there’s no way you could
And I’m not even suggesting you should
try to find out why I’m homeless and here,
but to simply dismiss me with withering sneer
and pass ill judged comments, involve the Old Bill
says more about you and your attitude ‘til
you judge what you know and not what you feel.
As for me, accept it! I’m here and I’ll stay
until you or the Council send me away.
AGAIN.