Homelessness is a common misfortune for many. Many veterans come home from fighting for our country and are left with no where to go. I was required to write a lyric poem for my writing course and decided to focus on the impact of the war and the outcome some veterans face when returning home.
The boy in the red hat
passes me everyday
holding his mother’s hand,
glancing toward me in wonder.
He’s another mind
deserving of the truth of vets
with no home, no family, no food,
though some are kind to spare.
I’ve seen his eyes
wander to where my legs should be.
I’ve seen his tiny hand cover his lips
as he whispered to his mother
who shushed his curiosity,
rushing past my chair.
I notice he’s more curious
than other children who’ve been by.
I see him the next day,
and he stares again.
I do something
I haven’t done in a while.
I wave with the hand
baring only three fingers.
He laughs.