Homeless Ghosts

They fell
between the cracks
asking what happened
don’t ask,
there is no reason;
seasons keep changing.

The deranged take
what they can get;
drugs to forget.
strange is the world
that took them
into the night
without a sound mind
no heart, no fight.

Memories befall us all
those fallen
look up your number
but never call.
We look the other way
we stay away
pocket our good fortunes
save spare change
for rainy days
Ours, not theirs

we took other ways
afraid of falling
Such a disgrace
to miss the promised land
too dazed to recognize it’s face.

Phantoms.
Did you see the pain
that rides upon their shoulders?
Listen to the creaks and groans.
the streets have only shoulders
for weeping
sweeping trash along the path
to meet a destiny rejected.

years peel back the dreams
the screams of children
playing
interrupt the prayers
nightmares fill in the blanks
cracks appear replaced by fear

I knew that guy
or thought I did
but now I’m not so sure
His picture in my mind obscure
the light behind his eyes
has dimmed
No, it can’t be him
It’s my mistake.

Did someone say “Steak”?
I’d love one, you read my mind.
And then he smiled
and through that crack I saw
his face and recognized
this ghost.

Certainly, I haven’t changed that much.
I've saved some grace;
my collected quarters
will host a celebration to better days.

~#yombo!