slab square sunset and pigeon sky
the coppers arriving
up goes the cry
other young faces
give the warning look
time to be gone
or treated like crooks
two quid pocket for four days time
nothing to waste
boredoms my crime
market street doorways
but not why you're here
slip in through the exit
avoiding the queers
kicked out at seven, they know my face
gone dark outside
dirty disgrace
drizzlin now, gotta stay dry
shruggin down, chin on chest
Joes in a doorway
not looking his best
streets yer home, yer brothers yer mother
but best you don't
trust the fucker
buy coffee in Ronnies
keeping yer head down
nick a half dead sarnie
and soak up the sounds
Then off to broad marsh. find a bus unlocked
just make sure
ya don't get clocked
jam the door shut
so you won't get disturbed
kip for the night
wake with the birds
cold day's dawn, hungry and stiff
Cappie Jem
toking a spliff
buy me a coffee
he's hard and mean, spits at my feet
queue for sweet tea
where all us dossers meet
another day another dollar, 'if only' u wish
two steps away
from a beggin dish
try n stay clean
daily prayer, be positive and bright
i'll get a change of clothes
at my sisters tonite
-
Author:
dusk arising (
Offline) - Published: November 17th, 2020 09:45
- Comment from author about the poem: I was reminded of this poem by a comment The Uneducated OAP made yesterday. I wrote and posted this a while back when I used to post under another name. Its about life living on the street. I left home a 15 and was homeless in Nottingham for a while. The picture is of a copper stood in what we called slab square in the centre of the city. Broad Marsh mentioned is now a huge shopping mall but back then was a scruffy bus station where you could find an unlocked bus to sleep in if you were lucky and kept your wits about you. Market street had a cartoon cinema where u could waste some time in the warm but had to beware of gay old men.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 54
Offline)
Comments7
I know the slab square well (although that name is new to me) having worked in Queens Drive for several years. Haven't been back for ages except to the theatre - enjoyed the read.
My word, my first job was for a firm on Queens Drive. Right along past Wilford Bridge where the road runs alongside the river towards the power station.... well that was in 69 and of course it has all changed now. Slab square in Nottingham slang for the old market square. All of that area is pedestrainised now with only trams buses and taxis having access. Small world eh?
My firm was Blackburn Starling - i was there from about 1975 to 80 -
1 more comment
Never quite hit the streets, although I came very very close (next step up?).
I think I know enough to experience every line which you colour in so well. An exhausting way to spend a day....weeks..months.
Dave
I was lucky, I had a job at the time. The biggest problem was staying clean and not looking like a tramp. It was 1960's and i was as fashion conscious as any 15 yr old. I must have been really adaptable back then.
Yes - mid '70s London squatting (with others) in semi derelict accom few facilities (may return to topic sometime). Job. Took change of clothes; worked out programme according to opening days of several public baths (not swimming). Laborious living.
Dave
Hard times back in those days for you d a, I am glad that you found the way out and are living quite happily in your
green wellie in Gloucester, I am not far away in Evesham living in my overgrown red flowerpot by the river.
Seriously though I have been very fortunate in my life and have never been anywhere near to being on the streets, I do try and help those who are.
Andy
It wasn't so hard as it would be today though.
this kinda not only rams it home but takes me back to when I hit the streets and hard ... just a nip over six months street homeless I woz .. spent quite a few nights in St Luke's church until the very kind Rev ******** kicked me out ... its lot more dangerous today though .. a lot more ....
Yes, I agree, for the genuine homeless it must be far more dangerous today. Mind you there are so many who pretend to be homeless in the city/town centres. Several were exposed in local paper here last year. Con artists.
..................................................................... yes, I think it is quite despicable ..............
You are always able to spin such tales in your poetry. It's almost a cinematic experience. It was real for you and you've brought it to life for us. Great work.
Thats a really nice comment to read, thank you, it's really encouraging.
Such a wonderful piece of poetry here, dusk. Sounds like hard times. You expressed yourself really well. Nice to see you after such a long time!
Well thanks for sharing! Enjoyed the poem and all the comments! Take care!
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