Carlos and his sidewalk chalk

Carl hit upon his funny bone, watching the passers-by.
Their smiles, laughter and devil may care attitudes sewn neatly between the seams. What fabric shines so bright it contracts the eyes from seeing hopeless desperation painted upon the sidewalk.
He thought his strength would always hold out, thinking his Wife would always be pampered. The sun was slowly sinking down now streaking bands across the bay, had it been that long since he worked the ship toiling endlessly; proud to be standing at the helm. The mind so cluttered with dust, yet he could remember so very much. "Sand with the grain son" the first time She ever said "I Love You Carl", his eyes narrowed in becoming a hawk remembering... "change?" "O yes thank You" ...now where was this he thought, holding tighter to his cardboard sign "I can see the bay"
"I use to work a ship!!!" he yelled , his bones hurt, he just wanted to get home and rest, snuggle with his wife; eighty five,still alive, "where's my wife?" hitting his funny bone he smiled to the young couple who stopped to give him a dollar.

Reviews

[Dye]

What a sad tale. I often wonder what it must be like as I walk by people like Carlos. You just never know the story and shouldn't assume the worst. You have really told an interesting story and the way you reach into his mind was expressed perfectly. I really felt like I was watching this rather than reading it.

[Souladareatease]

Such a warm comment Thank You Dye Much appreciated!!!
Indeed too many are homeless simply because they never had anyone left to lean on, and many in number have just simply lost their mind to alzheimer's or dementia ...everyone struggles through life "trying" to get by...till they reach the point of cant...some don't try hard enough...but too many tried valiantly and lost.
Thanks for reading me :)

[Dye]

You are most welcome. It is a sad outcome either way, I agree. The harsh reality is that more people than not are really only one or two paychecks away from being homeless. I know that's a different scale but you just never know. It was as thought provoking read for sure.

[Souladareatease]

yes...an easy slide. :( Thank You again for Your kindness!!!

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

Sad...but a real life portrayal of what goes on everyday, I'm afraid. My heart aches for the elderly, especially the elderly that are without homes and loved ones to care for them. This was very emotional, my friend...but yet seeded with your signature cleverness.

[Souladareatease]

Thank You Dear Friday...indeed I've met many through the years...in my Youth I would hop a train to go to town...met many travelling hobos...story upon story there....and later when playing out in the cities...met many...these people taught and showed me much kindness...and well it's a fear that sticks...for them ...and possibly me....loss of the mind scares me more than anything (coherent thought)

[Sami Khalil]

"What fabric shines so bright it contracts the eyes from seeing hopeless desperation painted upon the sidewalk."

This was indeed a sad story. Those lines are great...:)

[Souladareatease]

That's a WOW!!!
Thank You Sami-You are very Generous Sir-See You soon!!!

[Sami Khalil]

That was so deep and poetic...You deserve it...:)