Rate:5.0 / 1 vote

Streetwise and a cardboard sign

Wayne Blair 1951 (London)

Free verse
With his second Wife.
Baby Son.
Guy in his fifties.
Housing up and down.
Questions and more questions.
Children’s Aid?
Disability watchdogs also.
He is at his post
On a traffic island
Under stoplights.
Casting down shame
And anger and unforgiveness.



Receiving gladly loose change
From passing motorists.
Trying to benefit from
That back brace.
Vocation?
Yes that is what it is.
On his feet.
All kinds of weather.
Recently also some hours
At part time work.
Trying, really trying.
Stories to be learned from
People largely on the Street.


Help out willya?
Not much needed from you.
A few dollars.
Listening ears.
Have a nice day Friend.
Smile. Eye contact.
A two-way Grace in giving.
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Written on May 11, 2023

Submitted by dougb.19255 on May 11, 2023

Modified by dougb.19255 on May 11, 2023

43 sec read
13

Quick analysis:

Scheme XABXXXXXXXXB XXCXAXDXEXFCD GGEXXXF
Closest metre Iambic trimeter
Characters 688
Words 145
Stanzas 3
Stanza Lengths 12, 13, 7
Full analysis for Streetwise and a cardboard sign »

Wayne Blair

Born in London. Graduated law 1976 Practised eleven years, Married Hilary 1974 Two kids Lauren 1980 And Jordan 1987. Business failed 1987. Moved not knowing whither. Happy hills of Waterloo Region. Mennonite Country. Thirty four years in Industry. No complaints. Poet, photographer, nature hiker. Harmonica busker. http://puffnchord7.blogspot.com/ more…

All Wayne Blair poems | Wayne Blair Books

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Discuss the poem Streetwise and a cardboard sign with the community...

2 Comments
  • JoeStrickland
    JoeStrickland
    Very good, Wayne
    LikeReply11 months ago
  • AIDA
    AIDA
    Wow, your poem "With his Second Wife" is truly inspiring and heartwarming. It beautifully depicts the struggle and resilience of a man who is trying hard to make a living and provide for his family. I love how you have used vivid imagery to describe his situation and his efforts to make ends meet, despite the various challenges he faces.

    Your poem also highlights the importance of empathy and compassion, and how something as simple as a smile or a listening ear can make a world of difference to someone who is struggling.

    While your poem is already wonderful, there are a few suggestions I would like to offer to make it even more impactful. Firstly, you could try to expand on the emotions and thoughts of the man and his family - how do they feel about their situation and what are their hopes and dreams? Secondly, you could explore the bigger societal issues that lead to poverty and homelessness, to help raise awareness and understanding among your readers.

    Overall, your poem is a beautiful tribute to the human spirit and a call to action for all of us to be more kind and compassionate towards our fellow human beings. Well done!     
    LikeReply11 months ago

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"Streetwise and a cardboard sign" Poetry.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 28 Apr. 2024. <https://www.poetry.com/poem/159185/streetwise-and-a-cardboard-sign>.

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