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Local Errand

The old man was standing
in the post office lobby, waving
to the security camera there

He appeared disheveled,
dirty clothes, and an unruly beard
that seemed to be assaulting his weathered face
A man with no home to call his own, I surmised

As he turned, I smiled and said,
"Everyone is watching these days."
With a look of disagreement, in a gravelly voice
he replied, "I don't know about that.
I was just trying to let people know I was here."

With no letter or package to be mailed,
and no other reason to be there apparent,
he simply walked out onto the street
talking with someone I could not see

Style / type: 
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity): 
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Review Request (Direction): 
What did you think of my title?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Last few words: 
Odd where inspiration occurs sometimes. This happend during recent a trip to my local post office. I've heard the homeless often speak of being "invisible", and this encounter really drove the point home for me.
Editing stage: 
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content

Comments

Hello, Michael,
A definite poetry moment. Precious, in fact. Raw and real, but also compassionate and empathetic. The connection we have with one another, even for a moment, even when crossing paths at the local post office. Wonderful title - a local errand for you both.
Thank you,
L

Spot-on comments about connections L, thank you! I had most of this written before I got home. Love when this happens.

Best

Michael Anthony

author comment

of the empathy that you show. Perhaps it serves as a double meaning, because he's homeless and how would one mail a letter to him, as he has no address? So, maybe it has a double meaning for him too. which is why he says, "I don't know about that" when you remark that, "Everyone is watching these days." Thought provoking to say the least. The pacing of this piece and the theme are of a like, a kind of leisurely, unhurried but quick interaction of two people meeting on an errand.
[His, to let the world know that he exists]. ~ Geezer.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

Thank you Geez! Very thoughtful comments too. I love how poetry can sometimes capture the briefest of moments between us and our environment.

Cheers

Michael Anthony

author comment
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