Solitary.
Like a lone sprite the figure
appeared.
Sat astride statues of silent
large lions
and ate his stale bread.
A solitary image of down
and out living
he slept in an out-house
among crumble
of grandeur and drank
freedom's water
from an old well letting
nobody chain
him to respectability.
Alone that nameless spectre,
he of the back
bent and misshapen accepted
no charity
but lasted to out-live landed
rich gentry by
contentedly reclusive years.
Out of all those memorials
in granite abundance
to the indelibly titled elite
now crumbled
I shall ever remember him.
-
Author:
Fay Slimm. (
Offline) - Published: July 2nd, 2021 03:28
- Comment from author about the poem: The image above brought my imagination alive with a story --- hope you enjoy.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 53
- Users favorite of this poem: L. B. Mek, Accidental Poet
Offline)
Comments7
A fine write Fay.
Thank you Orchi.
'Alone that nameless spectre,
he of the back
bent and misshapen accepted
no charity
but lasted to out-live landed
rich gentry'..
what a hauntingly vivid portrait
your words paint, dear Fay
how sobering,
yet also how remarkable that dignity
you imbue your portrayal with...
a glimpse of your empathetic brilliance
in all its Poetic glory
Am humbled that you find the portrayal one of dignity to the person who chose a way of life many would wish to leave......... thanking you kindly for your continued support of my imaginings dear L.B.
It can happen to anyone and for just as many different reasons as there are individuals who find themselves in the unenviable situation you have so magnificently portrayed ...
Having worked in the field of mental health, I know very few who would choose to remain homeless if they were given the choice ...
in all my years, I can only think of one ... his name was Brian, now long gone ..
I have often thought about trying to immortalise him but think maybe, your 'Solitary' has broke the back of the work I had been struggling with ...
and for that and so many other things, I thank thee ... x
Ah - well maybe it was your Brian who wandered through my poetic try to see reasons a homeless person would choose to stay that way and enjoy the solitary life - -- whatever dear Nev 'tis me to thank thee for thy visit and comment - - heartily welcomed of that I am sure...............x
Not, as you point out Neville, typical, your Brian.
Where I live, when covid ramps up (as it is beginning to right now...) the homeless get rounded up and popped into hotels for the duration and then sent back out again -aah!
Like your word picture though, Fay.
Wow - hotels for the homeless while covid's around - - well I never knew that Dave - - I should think none would go back to the solitary state after all that eh ?
So sad for a life to end up homeless and no skills to work. But those who do work and have income have no idea what goes through the mind of the homeless, May God bless them. Great emotional write Fay.
You are so right A,P. that we could not guess what goes through the minds of the homeless - - my imaginings came to fruition after seeing the picture I used - but I second your phrase of "so sad for a life to end as homeless" - -- thank you for the read and your thoughtful comment.
Good write, Fay.
I was homeless in California.
Rowling was homeless in London.
I became an advertising artist.
She became the world's best-known writer. The line between good and bad luck is razor-thin.
Wonderful words and imagery Fay.
Andy
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