Vagabond brothers in plaid patchwork socks

~

 

 

Vagabond brothers in plaid patchwork socks,

crossing the street between stripes painted yellow

Stretching the avenue half past the hour,

dodging the drunk, he’s a staggering fellow

 

Grabbing a smoke from the stack on the corner,

begging a match that just isn’t the same

Identical twins from a different mother,

thinking the postman holds most of the blame

 

Belting a chorus while changing their trousers,

pressed at the seam near the fine zigzag stitch

Hiding the spot that is worn in the middle,

caused by aggressively scratching an itch

 

Checking the fridge just to find it quite empty,

not even leftovers left over there

Hearing their stomachs now growling profusely,

hoping that none on the sidewalk would stare

 

Reaching for handles of brass alabaster,

gathering things at a grocery store

Paying in cash with a currency foreign,

offering nickels, they don’t have much more

 

Pork chops on Sunday and sweet apple cider,

pushing their cart over ten city blocks

Still they are known for their colorful fashions,

vagabond brothers in plaid patchwork socks

Author's Note

A friend sent the line, "Vagabond brothers in plaid patchwork socks" and said, see if you can write a poem to that. This is what I wrote.

Reviews

[Ken e Bujold]

Absolutely mindblowing opening V Will. Asbery, Bukowski would be envious.
identical twins from a different mother another gem

smiling ear to ear with this one my friend

[willweb]

Thanks so much Ken. I appreciate your kindness.

[Betty Hermelee]

They must attract attention is that's all the pleasure they get; but on the dreary side, they are poor, they are forlorn, they are hungry and silly to wear those clothes but we know why; poor family, maybe more than one father....they are indeed vagabonds....to feel sorry for them....not a happy life for sure...and you express this so well Will....
Warmly, B

[willweb]

Betty, my sweet friend, thank you so much. That is a side of this I didn't initially see but do now.

[Betty Hermelee]

You're very welcome my friend!
Warmly, B

[emmajoygreen]

A laugh a day keeps the tears away and this poem, sir, will get me in to August!. Two separate mothers for twins, not something some would consider but there again, when the itch itches.. The friend who gave you the title should be rewarded, I sense a series coming up!

[willweb]

Happy to know I could help you chuckle a bit...no tears here though, just happy smile and colorful socks. : )

[Coyote Poetry]

I did enjoy the poetry Will.
"Pork chops on Sunday and sweet apple cider,
pushing their cart over ten city blocks
Still they are known for their colorful fashions,
vagabond brothers in plaid patchwork socks"
I do like pork chops and apple cider. I was a vagabond once, good to have nothing to kill your freedom. Thank you my friend for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[willweb]

Happy you found this and enjoyed it . Thank you so much

[Coyote Poetry]

I did Will and you are welcome.

[Soren]

This was great Will. I think I knew those guys. Just the poem I needed at the moment to lighten the atmosphere. I could see them so clearly I'm sure I knew them. Maybe just a dream. It read so smoothly it seemed a picture from a dream. I'm impressed at how well you handled this challenge. I admire how in the past you have taken challenges from others and turned straw to gold. I don't think that I would be able to do so well.

[willweb]

Thanks so much my friend, Glad this one lightened up your day or evening, whatever the case may be. I appreciate it.

[Lydia Shutter]

Well, you took the challenge and ran with it, Will. This paints a surrealistic scene. Twins from different mothers and the postman obviously rang twice, didn't he? I love the line your friend gave you....it is so catchy! Makes me think of the old Saturday Night Live shows with the two "Wild and crazy guys!" Just a delightful write here. Lydi**

[willweb]

Thanks so very much Lydi. I remember those guys, Steve Martin and Dan Akroyd. : )

[Lydia Shutter]

Exactly! I am glad I'm not the only one.

[Pete]

wow. just wow. cooler than cool. so well structured and written. you really knitted some great stuff with your friend's suggested line which is a great line by the way. sure like the pork chops and sweet apple cider. if you're cut you must bleed poetry ... :)

[willweb]

Thanks Brother Pete, that is a nice thing to say. I am glad you liked this.

[FGFRANKLIN]

Very nicely rising to the challenge, you wrote a fun piece here. I enjoyed the read.

[willweb]

Thanks so very much Fabian for your nice coomments

[Stella Armour]

I can't stop laughing , you have done the friend who sent you the opening line proud ..
it's hilarious and i really don't know which lines i find the most amusing .. great stuff Will +(*_*)+

[willweb]

Thanks Stella, your laughter is a great compliment of my poem. I am thrilled it tickled your funny bone

[Dave Brown]

A great response, I especially like the 'Postman' reference
Email could be hindering his opportunities
stay cool

[willweb]

Thanks so very much Dave. Yep, he probably feels a little left out anymore. : )