03-25=2010*** How In The Hell Are They Still Standing?
I keep seeing people who should be dead
They're not be in the morgue yet
I don't see why
What is keeping them moving breathing
My most recent sighting was
Just to the right of the front door
Of The San Francisco
Main Library
The Swig family and other old and new
Monied San Franciscans
Campaigned and fundraised
To pay for large rooms with their names
The library's many floors have decor
It even has a small deli
If you can pay for self-service coffee
Or the sandwich of the day
As you walk in off the street
You are greeted by
Large open space
Friends' of the Library Book Sales
Back outside in the cold
Just to the right of the front door
Stood a breathing
Dead person
There is no reason
I can see why
This person is still alive
What's keeping him upright
He's wearing grey sweatpants
Recently pissed in
Mismatched sneakers no socks
Ankles with blue black and red running sores
He's wearing a light long-sleeved shirt
I'm cold in my heavy sweater over my shirt
He put down his two plastice bags
Pulled out a bottle of vodka
Two big gulps saved some for later
I don't expect him to have a later
But off he walks steady on his feet
The seat of his wet pants facing me
[...] Read more
poem by Tom J. Mariani
Added by Poetry Lover
Comment! | Vote! | Copy!
