Dirty Old Man

I see him on the streets
Of a busy world
Eyeing every wedge and stiletto
Of the smooth and even-toned
Who ignore his stares.

He waits patiently
For someone to pass by him
So he could taste a chance
To show he was innocent,
Helpless, but eager.

"Don't you touch me"
Is what he gets
From a woman who gets out
Of the beauty shop
"Don't even look at me".

So he sits again
And keeps himself
From dreaming of fantasies
To satisfy his inner self
Because he could never.

But no
The sweetness of the scent
From the lady in red
It burns his guts -
He has to fulfill.

Murder, the next day.
Because he had to do
What he couldn't do
For what seemed like a lifetime
Of loneliness.

"What happened here?"
Started the investigation.
"I don't know sir, I must have pushed hard,
He fell on the ground,
Then blood scattered around."

It wasn't even on the papers
Or in the primetime news
When the dirty old man finally was in peace -
The old beggar in Pine Street
Who just wanted donuts to eat.

Author's Note

i wanted to create a "dirty old man" image at the start, the one that's nasty, and then turn it to a literal dirty old man - a beggar in the end. i guess i failed

Reviews

[Luna Northstar]

This is a great poem about society and human nature. At first the reader thinks this man as 'disgusting' or 'filthy' but that isn't the case at all. However, more description could really enhance this peace. This is a mystery type poem, but don't have a aura of mystery so large that the reader gets confused.

For example, who exactly is talking? Is it the women? You could clarify this by perhaps adding a line somewhat like: "

"What happened here?"
The police questioned the women from before
"I don't know," She said coldly
"I pushed him away, and he died on the floor"

I know for sure that this isn't the best example, but we don't know exactly what happened, or how he died. Did he tap on someone's shoulder, asking for a donut, and was pushed? Or did he really try to attack? The middle was a little hard to understand, but the ending was absolutely wonderful, and broke my heart.

Once again, this is a great poem about the struggles of humanity and human nature itself. Nicely done.

[Joiedevivre]

Great write! Full of twists and surprises. Good choice of title and juxtaposing point of view. Very nice!

[mjmccabe]

I really like this poem a lot. I have a magnetism toward human struggle and city life, etc. This poem is a wonderful observation.

[Decemberist]

The last line broke my heart. This is a beautiful poem, and the 'dirty' of 'Dirty Old Man' doesn't have to mean the 'nasty' one. :)

Besides, we writers are in charge of what we write and no one can judge us for that.

Good job, keep writing:)