O you who saw me wander blind,
who smelled the piss on my clothes,
and the booze on my breath,
December in my bones.
I walked alleys—
churches of broken glass, garbage.
Darkness sliced like a razor.
Women smiling like ragged motives.
The bottle—my only bible.
A spark of light.
A touch. A word.
Love punched a hole in the frozen morning.
Left hook like Marciano—
cut through the fog.
I trembled.
The sun shone through my homeless streets.
I walk now in a merciful light.
No gutters, no homeless shelters,
No dead-end taverns—
ghosts that call, but can't touch me.
I am delivered, grateful, and changed.
I still recall every fall.
Every stumble.
Every bitter, cold night of the soul.
I prayed to survive.
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Author:
Thomas W Case (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: May 31st, 2026 21:07
- Comment from author about the poem: Just uploaded a new long-form poetry reading on YouTube. Featuring work from Aluminum Cowboys and a preview from my upcoming book Searching for Nod (coming November). New reading, new selections, same simple at-home format. Watch here: https://youtu.be/kxOye9wk3Xg Books on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Thomas-W.-Case/author/B0CL2RKDGX?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_w=xsU45&content Appreciate you being here.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 7
Offline)
Comments3
From a tough situation to betterment in this poem of redemption. Well said Thomas
I appreciate it.
Most welcome Thomas
Good write Tom. Has one departed here, or found some safe place now? Either way, delivered and free from troubles now.
Thank you.
Powerful poem, my friend. This hit me hard from the opening and never let go. The honesty is what got me most...there's no polishing the past here, no looking away from it. The journey from darkness into light feels earned because you let us see exactly where you came from. Wonderful write. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
Thasnks
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