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feet
by Peter Humphreysat first I did not see her
crumpled as old rags and flotsam
crouched beneath the wall
at sea amidst the debris
of others littered walks
all she saw
if see she did
were feet
just feet
OK yours and my feet
but feet all the same
not lips
or eyes
nor tender arms
not even smiles or frowns
for she had given looking up
a million feet before
and as she bent
with hands cupped out
for passing change to catch
some feet walked by in pity
some in scorn
most did not even notice her
treading by her body
yet she was some mother’s daughter
she was some daughter’s Mum
she lived the future in the past
her present was undone
05/23/2009 Author's Note: For a young lady by Cologne Station, may she be warm tonight.
Posted on 05/23/2009
Copyright © 2024 Peter Humphreys
| Member Comments on this Poem |
| Posted by George Hoerner on 05/23/09 at 11:33 PM There are far too many in every city Peter. Bring them to the surface and let us understand their plight. Good write! |
| Posted by Kristina Woodhill on 05/24/09 at 04:29 AM Our feet tell on us, expose our actions, our chosen directions, and just plain leave some behind. Those last four lines are truly haunting. Thank you. |
| Posted by Gregory O'Neill on 05/25/09 at 12:19 AM Yes, bless this soul. I recall Wordsworth, and it may be separate context but, it could apply: "And homeless near a thousand homes I stood, And near a thousand tables pined and wanted food". Great Peter. Thanks. |
| Posted by Kris Mara on 05/26/09 at 12:48 PM beautiful, poignant message written so thoughtfully...I'm struck by how you've written "yet she was some mother’s daughter"
-- because this is how I think of people when I see them -- often its people like this, people alone -- I think of how they were someone's child and perhaps for that mother who can't watch over them, we should find a way....anyway sorry my comment is so long, I'm just struck by your words. |
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