Warmth Without Wind

A poem from the perspective of a homeless man

Warmth Without Wind

Don’t lie to me I know you have change
You think I’m a drug addict
And because I live on the streets I’m strange
All I want is some food some coffee
Anything to warm me inside
But you cross the street or look away
So my eyes you can avoid and hide

Dismissing me as a drunk an addict
Not a loving father who can’t provide
Left on the streets by my country
And wife leaving my side

I’m a trained killer fifteen years I’ve served
I have no qualifications I was a school leaver
Entering young and part of a herd

My clothes may be dirty I probably do look ill
It’s not because of stereotypical notions
Try sleeping with a constant wind chill

I returned home dishonourable discharge my a*s!
Desertion when my company were slaughtered
Who wouldn’t run if you were the last?

No benefits and no one will hire
Wife doesn’t want to know me
Her brother had taken fire

So now I sit on the streets all alone
Cold every night wanting to go back home
She has a new husband now child as well
When I served my country I landed in hell

So look at us homeless don’t consider us bums
We served our country and protected your young
I’m not saying were all not addicts or deserve to be here
But consider yourself sleeping in the cold and with fear

Passing by students shouting abuse
Suicide a constant appeal
I try my hardest to reduce

But all I crave is a blanket and warm food
Shelters are full and doorways all used
So I am victim to the wind every night
Whilst your cocooned in your blankets
Locked in secure houses out of sight

I’m the veteran
a killer
a bum
I’m the homeless
the forgotten
And I’m not the only one

So spare some change if you have it
that’s all that I ask
Keeping warm and free from starvation
Is my only task  

Author's Note

Something Rarely Focused on and as always they are the subjects which intrigue me but I did used to speak to one homeless man a couple of years ago and he was infact a solidier and he wasn't an addict he didn't ever marry so when he was discharged he was totally alone I always gave spare change if I had it and brought a mcdonalds when I got paid then one day he just wasn't there anymore

please give honest reviews as always

thanks for reading

Reviews

[hedgehog]

excellent write

[Aekmy]

You composed this very well. It flows, it has heart, and a good meaning. Well done. (:

[Jonathan]

I know What your talking about like at the beach
I always see homeless people, but in fact they are Vietnam vets
I to talk to some homeless people
Me and this guy Mike always play chess every Monday
He has the chess board and the pieces
And I bring the food

[Rose Masen]

First off, let me just say, what an amazing person you are for caring enough to help a stranger out. God Bless You, wholeheartedly. Second, this piece was so well written it made me stop and think about every person I remembered seeing begging for change or just a prayer- it's saddening, heart breaking and I can only wish it never was happening. But it does. This piece was amazing, brilliant, and so full of emotions that go beyond sad or happy. Beautifully done. Strong write.

[ashleydawn]

This was the first poem of yours I read, and I think it's great. We are all so mis understood and judged and we don't always have a voice to battle against that injustice. You gave the homeless a voice and offered us a small window into their lives. Still my favorite of them all.

[Shardbearer99]

Hey, man. Firstly, I'd just like to say that taking the time to buy the old man a mcdonalds when you got paid was a truly kind gesture. I think you're right in saying, that when people do look upon those who are least fortunate than ourselves, we automatically assume they're druggies, or alcoholics. I have to admit, I am guilty of thinking those same things myself. But reading this poem has shed new light on my perspective of these people. It was very sad, but wonderfully written. Did you ever find out what happened to the old man, by the way? I hope he's alright. And thank you for sharing this

[Dilan Gray]

I thought this poem was very moving and I loved the second to the last stanza, I thought it really added emphasis since the lines were shortened. This was a great poem and I like how real it is, Great job.

[Jenny Nelson]

An excellent, heartfelt as well as heartbreaking piece. We've got to have much more compassion and far less judgement. Your piece is inspiring.

[Becky Lawrence]

This poem made me cry. It bothers me when I see homeless people on the streets. I wish someone would do something for them. I don't have money to spare, but if I did I'd give some to the homeless.
As always, your poetry is great and gets people thinking. Very nicely done!

[Mauricio Montoya]

This is a good piece, I know because I’ve been there before, some people judge you, some put you down, others offer a helping hand. I rode trains from town to town if there was work I’d stay, in my journeys I’ve met vets it depends, but most keep to them selves and I’m talking about the Vietnam era vets, anyway I think you’ve done a great job putting this together.
Excellent write.