"Street Bum" by Rusty Algren

Street Bum

A bitter wind blows the wisps

Of tattered unkempt filthy hair

As it stumbles along the curb

Looking for it knows not what

On a cold December day

Past church, synagogue, and mosque

All raised in beauty and splendor

In praise of those they worship

Their gods so much alike

Yet different as lead and gold

It stumbles down the street

Past strangers that seldom see

Just another street bum in their eyes

Not worthy of a second glance

This thing that once was human

Rancid smells abound around it

Of decay and slow lingering death

Repelling those who walk downwind

Their dainty noses upturned and wrinkled

As they hurry past this thing in their way

I watch them pass this thing

This nothing person in their eyes

Just another lost soul in an alley

As I crawl inside my cardboard home

And pray their gods will take me

Rusty Algren

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