The Silver Fox

The Silver Fox


Slouching
    in forgotten tap-rooms
dirty old men,
forgotten old men,
slop piss-colored beer
    from, wet, dripping glasses.
The hollow din,
the retelling of "the good old days",
echoes sadly
    as life quickly passes.

    "They used to call me 'The Silver Fox'
    What do you think of that?
          They used to care."

An empty glass crashes
    to the muddy floor.
         
"I guess I'll be hitting the street tonight.
              Sleep in an alley tonight.
                    Nobody cares."

Slouching
    in forgotten tap-rooms
dirty old men,
forgotten old men,
slop piss-colored beer.
    Nobody cares....

Notes:  The dialogue in this poem is based on a real event that I witnessed.  "The Silver Fox" rose unsteadily from his chair and shouted to the room in general. He probably did sleep on the street that night.  I have always felt remorse that I didn't do something to help him.  I didn't care enough.

I now volunteer at the Shepherd's of Good Hope, a shelter that provides food, beds and clothing free of charge to the homeless. I hope to eventually make this my full-time career.

http://www.shepherdsofgoodhope.com/




February 4, 2007: "Rising Star Award" given by Gabriella.
March 1, 2007: Semi-Finalist in "Poetry Soup's International Poetry Contest."