Change

Dirty and disheveled

No shoes on his feet

Tired and famished

No food to eat

His pockets empty

His last penny spent

All that remains

A hole and some lint

All he owns in a basket

A box for a bed

A story written in a notebook

This is what it read:

"I was sixteen when I left

Nearly twenty two when I returned

My left arm completely gone

My right severely burned

I wasn't just a boy

I was so much more

I was a soldier

An asset to a war

I gave my all

I nearly gave my life

I survived the struggle

Now I struggle to survive

I was dealt a bad hand

The system had four aces

I went all in

And came out among the faceless faces"

As I finished reading

I thought it somewhat strange

For all that I owe this man

Why does he only ask for change?

Reviews

[Trace]

It is so sad that so many return vets and hero's end up on the street.
your last two lines were very powerful.

My older brother served in the Marines during Vietnam and I served in the army during a short period of peace this country has seen.

I thank you for this wonderful, thought provoking poem.
Well done.

Trace

[Frieda P]

This is a stunning read Keely...really smacks you upside the head, and leaves little room for breathing. I got goose bumps whilst reading this. It's really a shame what we do with our 'hero's once they've done their duty...I'm embarrassed to say I'm an American when I see something like this...no excuse for it at all, unfortunately this happens all too often. Thanks for sharing this.

[quinfinn]

having spent 14 months on the mean streets, homeless, dirty and hungry...i felt this one to my core. bad luck or treachery and betrayal can change anyone from a prince to a pauper. you might be surprised to know that there is a wealth of good people in the world who help those down on their luck...i can testify to it personally, but the streets are wrought with drugs, hatred, abuse, filth, apathy and much danger. i am grateful my life turned around and i help the homeless every time i see them. this is an awesome observation you make and i appreciate and love this write....cheers!

[Rommel Martin]

Beautiful, no one simply understands not all homeless or beggars are crazy or just slackers. Everyone has a story when you take a listen. It hits right where it should my favorite part: "I was dealt a bad hand,The system had four aces I went all in and came out among the faceless faces" No points missed.

[PherociousPhoebee]

Fantastic piece :)

[Onoma]

....You ennoble what I think of as me...

[Lucy Morningstar &heart..]

that was beautifully written :)

[Bane]

Wow, powerful.

[Whiskurz]

What a well thought out piece you have penned.....Bravo my friend....Whisk