The Old Relic

Read an article about some homeless people who froze to death on the streets of Halifax, Nova Scotia. This came to my kind.

An old relic
bent by age
trapped within
time's cage.

he has seen so much
this crumpled form
known of love and praise
bowed by hate and scorn

His lips - cracked - dry
secrets they wouldst share
lessons hard learnt
his tattered truths laid bare

wisdom - what a gift
to learn the paths he turned
to avoid the crags he fell in
and the bridges he burned.

to see what he learned
through youth's rocky path out
so that we might know
to avoid this painful route.

oh yes...there be much these eyes
greatest lessons to be learnt
but then..he's only a hobo...
So why should we care...

Author's Note

I know a short one. I've never been much for standards. Hope it reaches someone.

Reviews

[...]

You chose very important theme of your poem. Special when winter time will be here very soon. Became homeless in north america is not really too hard. I am living in small town in Vermont. Even how Vermont is quiet good with public social services. We got quiet lot of homeless people here. And just two winter shelters. I like your poem speak very clear and straight forward . there is also very poetic moments . I find this poem quiet good.

[AliceBarnes]

The imagery in this is simply stunning! I couldn't believe my eyes at some of the descriptive words you used and how eloquently you put this poem together. Your title really drew me in because I didn't know half of what to expect, but I am so glad I clicked on this because I really enjoyed reading it. Compared to some of the poems I have read on here, this really isn't that short, and I can tell you have put a lot of effort into this because of how nicely it has been written and laid out. You seem to have a very good attention to detail that makes your works particularly nice to read. Thank you for taking the time to write such a poem.