Old Man Scarecrow

Great piece. This is the first piece of yours where I've registered how talented of a poet you are. You really captured the essence of the man begging on the side of the street.

I didn't particularly like the reference to what he wastes his money on. I felt the tone of self-justification and judgement detracted from the perspective of the whole piece. Also, in your third stanza, where you rhymed "wail" with "tale". I felt it was a little forced.(I know because I do that.)

Yeah, I agree with it being a bit forced. At first, I didn't intend to rhyme with this, but after I wrote the first stanza, it sort of went there, so I felt a little obligated to rhyme. That third stanza kind of gave me a sticky point. I wouldn't say this is my favorite piece I've done, but it's also based on a true story. This piece is about a guy I pass every day on my way to work. As for the reference to what he wastes his money on, I'm only assuming it's drugs, but it's definitely alcohol.

There are those homeless who are truly desolate and have no choice but to beg, who will accept whatever they can get. And then there are those who are just trying to gather enough to score.

Thanks for reading and following!

I like the poetry.  The "Old Man Scarecrow" gives a sense of familiarity as though you pass him every day, and hence the judgemental tone that comes through in the final stanza could be from the despair of seeing no results.  It's not kind to the man, but easily reflective of how most would see him.

This is actually based on a guy who I see on my way to work each day. He really looks like an old scarecrow. Tall, thin, disheveled with an unruly crop of straw-like hair, even a sort of boneless, hunched over posture with a wavering unbalance that makes me think he'll fall over with a strong gust of wind.

Thanks for reading!

Another great piece

Thank you! And thanks for reading!

welcome to DUP,
I've been homeless myself before and worked as an advocate for the homeless, Most homeless people aren't there due to drugs or booze. It isn't anywhere near that simple.
I still enjoyed this read and I think you have talent. Keep writing and good luck in the comp :)

I understand that. Sheesh, I'm getting a little tore up here for my judgement on this guy. (This piece is based on a guy I actually see a lot).     I live in a large metropolitan city where I see homeless people every day. While I understand that there are a lot of people who are homeless due to OTHER reasons, they're generally not the ones who are risking their lives by an off-ramp just down the street from a liquor store for whatever coins they can get.     I pass a lot of homeless people who are obviously trying to score. They smell of booze, or can barely stand up they're so intoxicated, or they're shaking with withdrawal. Or even the guys who are dressed rather well who will say "Nah, that's ok" when offered free food when I won't offer them the money they're begging for.     I'm not judgmental against all homeless. But the pity I feel for them is rather impotent. Because even if I were to give them a dollar, does it really HELP them? I don't feel like it does. It only perpetuates the cycle. And, unfortunately, I don't have the means to be of any other help than an occasional buck or free leftovers.

I thought this was a really good write. Good luck in the competition.

Thanks very much for reading and your compliment! :)

This is a tough searing piece and you've ignited a lot of mixed emotions on it ... Don't apologize!  That's what a poet, the good ones anyway, is supposed to do. When I see someone in need I often wonder at what point does their circumstance take them from just panhandling to survive another day, and maybe even feeding their family ... to the point where they just feeding self destruction.  I don't think I'd have the balls to deal with the first half of the equation ... And I hope I never have to answer it. You've penned something important here.

Thanks, again, for the encouraging words.

It is really difficult to judge, and you know, it's really not my place to judge -- whether someone is truly in need or just fueling an addiction. Which is why I rarely offer money to panhandlers. However, I do go out of my way to offer food to the homeless. If I ever have a snack or leftovers in my car when I see them, I offer it to them. I used to make little care packages to keep in my car for this reason.

The only time I will ever give money is if they're actually DOING something, playing an instrument or, one time, I saw a guy with a sign that said "Will Dance for Dollars" and I gave him a dollar when he busted a move. :)

Thanks again for your input!