Catinga was his name

sorenbarrett

Smelled like a skunk, nicotine drunk, the boff of beer on his breath
Oh how he stunk of cemetery funk, yesterdays stench of death
His gait wobbled, his hands bobbled the glass that held his brew
As if hobbled, on the street cobbled, he spilled a drop or two 

 

Pocket with a hole, the same as the sole of his worn out shoe
Inside a chest his riches possessed, hidden from common view
His pearls freely dispersed, by others cursed, thrown in his face
A treasure derided, a wise man chided, wisdom to debase

 

He'd been here a while but nary a smile, he was a fixture of the place
Many did him revile, some his body did defile, calling him a disgrace
But he was mild with the manners of a child, he showed a toothless grin
Inside undefiled by a world gone wild, in innocence free of their sin

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Comments +

Comments10

  • Friendship

    Well-written. Never judge a book by its cover. This poem revolves around the juxtaposition of societal judgment and the intrinsic worth of an individual, illustrated through the character of Catinga. The subject matter delves into themes of poverty, alienation, and the innocence that can exist despite external circumstances. Catinga, although reviled and marginalized by society, embodies a certain wisdom and purity that contrasts sharply with the disdain he receives from others. The poem invites readers to reconsider notions of value and dignity, suggesting that true worth lies beyond superficial appearances and societal standards.

    • sorenbarrett

      Thank you very much Friendship for the interpretation that hits the core meaning of the poem. It is most appreciated my friend

      • Friendship

        You're so welcome, my friend.

      • orchidee

        Good write SB. I thought it was gonna be about a cat. 'Here, puss, dinner time!' lol.

        • sorenbarrett

          Thanks so much Orchi yea they can smell too. Appreciate the read my friend

        • rebellion_in_sanity

          Read the line "Inside undefiled by a world gone wild," quite a few times. I don't know why it really spoke...
          Perhaps that line brought about the contrast..

          • sorenbarrett

            Thanks so much Rebellion for your read and words of support. It is always appreciated

          • Teddy.15

            Loved your first stanza it made me chuckle at the imagery, hey we have a few like this in London too, as I have an enormous compassion and empathy, your last stanza made me think, we are all different but in the end we are all the same, we are human yet very rarely does one find the treatment the same, easy to hate easy to judge kindness is definitely a reward to those who give it, and those less fortunate who receive it. 🌹 A powerful piece that brings reflections to the reader.

            • sorenbarrett

              Thank you Teddy for you understanding of this poem. Yes we are quick to judge any that seem different than us. Your words of support are most appreciated my friend

            • Lorenz

              Really a moving portrait !

              • sorenbarrett

                Thank you Lorenz for the read and comment it is most appreciated

              • Tristan Robert Lange

                Soren, this piece is unforgettable. You build him from stench, stagger, and worn shoes, a man derided and reviled. Yet the final turn...that toothless grin, innocence shining despite a world gone wild...redeems the whole portrait. A character both broken and whole, disgrace on the outside yet grace within. Beautifully done, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦‍⬛

                • sorenbarrett

                  Thank you Tristan you have encapsulated it. The world values the external but it is the internal that has real value. I appreciate your read and comment my friend

                • Acheel

                  Brilliantly balanced beats

                  • sorenbarrett

                    Thank you Acheel for your read and comment it is most appreciated

                    • Acheel

                      Most welcome!

                    • Thomas W Case

                      Excellent work.

                      • sorenbarrett

                        Thank you Thomas for the read and kind support it is appreciated

                      • Goldfinch60

                        Fine words soren, you can never see the beauty within the outside of anybody.

                        Andy

                        • sorenbarrett

                          Thank you Andy for your words of support and understanding of this poem it is appreciated

                        • David Welch

                          Excellent rhyming and meter.

                          • sorenbarrett

                            Thank you David I deeply appreciate your review of this poem and your kind words.



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