Broken Backed Bums

broken backed bums
one eye open
noses forward
with a grey-line stare
   'Can you see coloured houses'
   'from your window on the second floor'
   'I was a teacher once'
   'I had a daughter'

It stinks in the city when it rains
I shut my door
to keep the noise out
I close my window

Morning coffee
morning paper
morning class
they are throwing stones
of agate
at their teeth
and at their ears
keys drop like rain drops
I'm glad i brought a pen

morning coffee
morning paper
mourning cigarette
my bags are filled with groceries
broken backed bums
they ask for change
   'I can see coloured houses'
I say
   'but i keep my blinds closed'
I ask them if they smoke
as i saw a friend do
no dollar for their breakfast
no dollar for their booze

I put my computer in a box
i read my morning paper
i drink my evening beer
I'm starting to think in straight lines
try to j-walk
jump a fence
at least there is a cobbler up the street
at least he can keep my shoes clean