Philosophy of a homeless man

The first of several

In a world like ours, it is natural
to diligently seek wide-eyed innocence
instead of the plastic smiles
that hide fear and machinations.

There are so few left with the air of sanity,
they mostly inhabit the byways
and out-of-the way places
like a cardboard box.

They bring with them
a kind of truth
that cannot be denied,
“wisdom,” born of experience.

They walk in the places
we desperately try not to see.
We disbelieve simple reality
watching talking heads on TV.

Deep behind their hollow eyes,
the poorest live the pictures
of all the places I wanted to avoid;
as if refusing to see will make it disappear.

There is nowhere to really hide.
I must learn how to survive
the insanity of "The World of Now."
My disapproval means nothing.

It takes its rightful place right beside me
on the gray weather-worn park-bench
I wait patiently, wishing I had something
to feed the pigeons, when I haven't eaten in days.