I approached the familiar chair,
And sat, breathing out the stress of the day.
Looking around, familiar faces with almost-remembered names
Flashing back and forth on the TV.
In my hand is just water,
But it feels like a tell.
I sit, all my possessions within reach.
Everything that makes me what I thought was
Unique
Fearless
Strong
Is hidden behind my leg.
Embarrassment and shame engulfs me again.
Another hotel lobby, because no bed welcomes me.
A bag filled with donated miscellaneous mystery meat
Cans I bow down for, gratitude for something
For something someone found.
From Easter, or Christmas, 15-20-30 years past.
No good for people,
To the homeless it's passed.
The chair is familiar.
It is the chair I sat in when I realised -
Pity is not low enough,
Disgust is not deep enough.
You know how you feel when you see them.
Sat outside because no one welcomes us in.
-
Author:
Anna Wakey29 (
Offline) - Published: April 1st, 2026 04:13
- Comment from author about the poem: I have recently been made homeless, and my local council are putting me and my partner in hotels as temporary accomodation until we find somewhere. Unfortunately I am disabled which makes the whole situation worse as he has to care for me too. We have to rely on food donation. This was me trying to put it into words.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 8
- Users favorite of this poem: sorenbarrett, Doggerel Dave
Offline)
Comments2
There is such an empty feeling to this poem where the image of an empty, used and discarded tin can comes to mind. Left on a trash heap. Usefulness gone now it is just a burden of disposal left to take care of. If it can be removed far from public concern, buried and ignored then all the better. It is sad and a commentary on society and how we treat the margins of society where many reside day to day hand to mouth. Powerful stuff well written and a fave for its emotional power
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad you are enjoying my writing.
You are most welcome
Not a good position to be in. I would suggest you devote all your literary energies in carefully worded letters to your MP, Social Services and any other agencies you can find. Poetry here, I'm sorry to be in the position to inform you, will not be of practical help.
I'm not trying to be rude, but in my bio it clearly says that I use my poetry as a form of catharsis. Do you think I am just sat on my arse going "woe is me"? Clearly you appreciate my literary talents, do you not think that intelligence translates to my actual life? I am using my creativity to work through things ALONGSIDE practically doing everything I can.
I honestly don't know whether to laugh or be horrified at your absolute gall.
Oh don't worry about my gall, you will find it everywhere if you look. Be as horrified as you like if it makes you feel better - on the other hand laugh if that turns out to be the better remedy.
From your poem and comment I have no way of concretely knowing if you are "sat on (your) arse going 'woe is me' " And nothing else. There are folks in this world who through deficiencies in themselves are unable to challenge authority. A pointer in the right direction, since I don't know you and your now evident capacity in that area was, I felt, worth the attempt at virtually no cost to myself.
Having viewed your profile, I can see that you are a man of a certain age who quite evidently tried to do a nice thing, for which I apologise for my somewhat bristled response - however, moving forward, perhaps it might be an idea to open a dialogue before jumping to conclusions? Either way, I most definitely am not sat on my arse (a phrase which I now regret the repetition of as the impact is somewhat diminished :p)
This poem was my way of trying to get people that perhaps have cast certain aspersions about people in my position to try and relate. There are unhoused people, and there are bums. It's hard work trying to re-reach a socially acceptable rung on the ladder, and I think maybe your snap conclusion may have rubbed me the wrong way.
I'm not 'of a certain age', I'm old, have lead a long chequered life and been homeless during that time. So no 'snap conclusions' were involved. Don't just read my profile - read my contributions here to know where I'm at. Comment too - be as stroppy as you like if it relieves some tension, but know with absolute certainty I will respond with force and then some...😜
Having viewed your profile, I can see that you are a man of a certain age who quite evidently tried to do a nice thing, for which I apologise for my somewhat bristled response - however, moving forward, perhaps it might be an idea to open a dialogue before jumping to conclusions? Either way, I most definitely am not sat on my arse (a phrase which I now regret the repetition of as the impact is somewhat diminished :p)
This poem was my way of trying to get people that perhaps have cast certain aspersions about people in my position to try and relate. There are unhoused people, and there are bums. It's hard work trying to re-reach a socially acceptable rung on the ladder, and I think maybe your snap conclusion may have rubbed me the wrong way.
I look forward to it! I will certainly give a read and look forward to inevitably sparring! :p
If you are going to do that, you will have to clean up your act . To repeat a previous lengthy comment in it's entirety is a waste and just plain dumb - I read you the first time. Learn how to move on.
PS: what does :p mean?
I'm sorry, I don't quite understand what you mean? I think the website may have posted my reply twice if that's what you're getting at.... I really am unsure if you are being nasty or not now. I apologised and needed to your points when I considered them, I don't understand what you mean by "clean up your act".... Also :p is just a silly face, 😋 but written
So... I read through all three posts before getting back here. Overall you've blasted a cranky old bugger with charm.
Tidying up this one will be the hardest... but I'll try. I wanted you to be under no illusions that I can be quite argumentative and hard if I believe it appropriate (my appropriate won’t be anyone else’s idea of appropriate, but there you go). I felt this would get you to drop it then and focus on more pressing issues for you. (arrogance on my part to even think this).
This site’s glitches can be frustrating at times. Advisable to double check the final result. But as it appeared to me you weren’t responding to my response. Enough said, or more if you want? Now onward to your other two….
I enjoy a good heated debate! Also all of my poems on here I have written over the course of years, I am only just posting them to this site, I haven't just had a manic writing spree. Honestly I enjoy your cantankerous streak, I love a good ribbing as long as it is deserved!
Well if you ask me to dance, then I will.
Do keep me informed on how the housing situation is progressing.
Aww, thank you for showing an interest. It is what it is - my local council are doing all they can to help, and I'm in temporary accomodation so not on the street thankfully.
And if you can do a decent waltz then you're on old man!
Not that kind of dancing sweetheart - on the page here. Contain yourself.😂
Oh thank goodness, I don't just have two left feet - I have three and a hunchback when it comes to dancing
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