Homeless

The heat of this gray summer day sends beads of sweat dripping.

Into my baggy ill-fitting shorts.

The steps which I take seem longer and longer, As the sun peeks out between the thick covering of clouds.

And begins to cook my shoulders.

Leaving with it a raw, red patch of skin that peels off in painful bits.

The holes in my woven hat expose my face to the blistering sun.

The burning sensation hits me like a stone hitting water.

I sit down, exhausted, and place my hands among the indents.

In the sidewalk where people once walked.

Now there is nobody here but me: I am alone: tears well up in my eyes,

Relieving the dryness that has surrounded my pupil like a winter jacket.

I taste bitter salt from the tears: they helplessly roll down my cheeks.

My sobs fill the air with despair and sadness.

I force my legs to rise, even though they are so numb, they wobble,

Like a sailor setting foot on land after a long journey.

My mind races with thoughts,

Why is it life leaves me with so little, yet other people with so much?

Sun swoops beneath the horizon, revealing cold wind, chills down my spine,

I begin to walk again.

It may be the end of the day for most: for me, the day has just begun.