The Homeless Shelter

Not of their own free will, but

Pushed by hard luck and circumstances,

The men are here. 

They are tired and grateful, but

Deep in their gratitude for having a bed and a hot meal,

There is an equally deep resentment--

An irritant, chafing against the generosity they accept.

They will pounce upon any morsel of casual talk,

Excited to be engaged in human activity.

They will gladly tell of their mother's cooking, and

Of their travels, and of their hard luck and circumstances.

Both gratitude and resentment are equally genuine.

The hot meal and he bed will be welcome and accepted, but

They will soon have to face tomorrow.

--May 8, 2013