The sunset fades and doom descends
Upon these concrete pillars bend
The light of which the night transcends
The thoughts of which my mind suspends
*
The souls of which these streets have claimed
The blood and tears the sewers drained
The virgin flesh abused and maimed
The sanity I can't maintain
*
Amongst the filth and urine stench
My bloodshot eyes and fist both clenched
Tattered clothes and shoeless feet
A toothless grin for me to greet
*
Zombies roam throughout these streets
My concrete bed and cardboard sheets
The sadness which my heart defeats
As tourist gawk from high-rise seats
*
No one really knows my pain
The suffering perhaps in vain
Surrounded by all this guilt and shame
And yet, they all feel I’m to blame
*
Lost amongst these desperate hoarders
Trapped within these social borders
In search of one amenity
And yearning for serenity
*
Lord allow me one more day
Despite submersed in this decay
I trust that you will lead the way
My heart is yours and will not sway
*
For someday I may rise above
Perhaps compassion, or maybe love
A new sunrise provides some hope
And sheds some light and means to cope
*
Exposed now to this horror show
And all the pains of which I tow
Just sit back and watch the show
And welcome to my home, Skid Row
About the Creator
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Compelling and original writing
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The Bird Nest
Downy tufts puff out, Warmth inside a house of hair, Drowsiness abounds. A/N: I sometimes imagine what it would be like to sleep in a bird nest, provided I can be bird-sized in the fantasy of course. I think it would be cosy! More longer stories to come! -TWW
By ThatWriterWoman5 days ago in Poets
Comments (2)
Sad commentary, Tony. This must be something very difficult to bear witness to every day and not be able to change.
After being exposed to this area in the mid 70's, and having a few family members sadly endure these poverty stricken and addiction ridden streets, it was an area that I simply couldn't ignore as I now work in the Downtown LA area and witness this sad section of society on a daily basis. My hopes in writing this poem is that maybe it will bring some additional attention to the area and perhaps incite some ideas that may someday assist in eradicating this hopeless condition that infiltrates so many urban areas in this country.