Author Information
EARLY BIRD
Folder:
THE DRUNKENING
We have a newspaper
One Step Away
for the homeless people
to sell and make a few bucks
here in Philly.
I usually pick up a copy
on my way into work.
My regular salesman works
outside 30th Street Station
almost every morning.
It comes out monthly
but I usually pick up
3 or 4 copies each month.
I leave them on my desk
and I replace it
every time a co-worker takes it.
It’s for a good cause,
I tell myself,
so I can feel real proud.
But on the first
of this month,
I got off the train
and found my salesman
to purchase the brand new edition.
I was informed that
the new edition
wouldn’t be out until 10:00am.
They always say
the early bird gets the worm
but apparently
that doesn’t apply to newspapers.
Thank you for your support.
Much of my time over the last five years has been spent amongst the homeless... as well as home free. Personally, I chose that journey for a while. Mostly as an expiriment. Putting my faith in the universe (or God) to provide. It was an amazing journey. A whole lot learned. Especially how difficult it is to be homeless with a vehicle as shelter. Most places have laws against living in your vehicle on the west coast. The powers that be don't like it. It's illegal! In some places, for instance, If you get 5 tickets for "habitating" your vehicle, they will impound your vehicle. Then a person is forced outside onto the street. Where it is also not legal to sleep. Pretty uncompassionate out there. People are not kind. However, amongst the homeless and home free, I have learned there is community. People take care of each other. Sometimes it seems more than those who have homes and jobs and stuff.
Personally, I think tiny homes would be a great option to start solving the issues. But even that is something governments are trying not to allow.
Anyway, thanks for keeping your own mind open and willing to learn.
Copyright © JessterStarshine
I'm still working on getting
I'm still working on getting Brian to come out to some poetry readings. I also hope the people that pick up the paper will read it and learn from it. Thank you for sharing your experience with me. It makes me think this whole poetry thing might be worthwhile afterall.
Poet... I read all of your work when I see it.
I know a few homeless poets that I met on the streets during my travels. They still have facebook. I follow their work. One of them recently had a poem picked up by the New Yorker or New York Times, I can't recall which. He does really good work.
Copyright © JessterStarshine