In the Home of the Homeless
1.
One window among many
reflects events mirrors rubbish
a broken roof lashed to its frame
collapsing and crumbling as it struggles on
the crowded world of the homeless
the community of the world could offer
the edge appears missing a family nearly recovered
the house stays cold alien hardship returns
to have your roots yanked out from under your family tree
to wander through different times and places
strength ebbs away destitution charity
impressions blur hardship approaches
one essence in submission those people
one essence many differences
fallen absconded overgrown neglected just 'a case'
the times shift and change on the move
'refugees' through circumstance
pressure wears you down constricts you
until aborted hope collides with strength
grit marks fade never entirely
grimy windows in the heart of the city
exist go are strange lonely distorted image
portrait identity 'ghost' living
twisted shadow blamed
the house you can't find can't return to
the hope that sustains the dream that warms
under the flyover pavement have mercy
image fuses eroding love
possessions gone roads closed promises broken
can't go forward can't go back trapped
public place packed with the poor
the centre cordoned off
'refugees' through circumstance
melt into disarray
Sanam Luang Park* trespassed altered
expands into every corner of the city
2.
look around aimlessly against the world
instinctively connected release
rubbish mounts cast offs abandoned
destitute deprived humiliated
looks unsettled like an unfinished house
dream no further than a home
a road an alley a side street like a sign
nothing is what is seen * Sanam Luang is a large public park in the centre of Bangkok that became 'home' to a large number of homeless people who were then 'cleansed' from the area.