Thursday, July 23, 2009

Street People










Carl sits in a lawn chair in front of the pawn shop
He sips choclate milk and scratches off lottery tickets
I think he supports his choclate milk habit with his lottery winnings
He told me a dirty joke once, I think, but I couldn't comprehend him
I'm not sure of his job description but his cherry cigars smell nice

Jimmy asks for money and I say no but I will buy him some food
We go to get hotdogs, chips and pop at the gas station
He tells me about his sister in West Virginia who has money
I guess he is planning a trip to visit her and drink beers
I'm fairly certain he made up this story

Shaky Jake wants a $1 for bus fair, I say no but counter with a sandwich
Ham and swiss but no mustard. It's too spicy.
A bottle of Coke but no chips because they are not healthy.
I wonder how he feels about alcohol.

Preacher man stands at the corner telling everyone they are adulterers and whore mongers.
A monger is someone who promotes something that is undesirable.
I'm sure most people think he is irritating. I do.
It seems to me his promotion of the gospel is undesirable.
I think next time I see him I'll tell him that Jesus love's him.

I gave a guy money once for bus fare
He was going to Cleveland to see his sick mother
I think she was dying but I'm fairly certain he made up this story
My guess is I financed his illicit drug use
From now on it's hot dogs, chips, pop and an occasional espresso.

"Paralytics, lunatics and the back-street fringes
All find a place in Your home, at Your table
And You make them well 'cos You're willing and able"


from the song "Who Knows When the Sunrise Will Be" by Bill Mallonee (www.billmallonee.net)

Jesus said the poor we'll always have with us.
I hope to break bread with Carl, Jimmy and Shaky Jake
Preacher man can come too

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Greco-Roman Wrestling

Took my brown bag lunch to the park
Found the shade under the tree
Settled in for a quick bite and quicker nap
Alarmed and disturbed by the sights and sounds
Two men Greco-Roman Wrestling on a tablecloth
Can't eat
Can't sleep
May as well work