A-SLEEPING IN THE PARK

John saw a man just laying down
a-sleeping in the sun
drugs and booze had laid him out
are his worthwhile days all done?

This tragedy's a daily thing
it ain't no ficken lark
self-loathing made this man pass out
a-sleeping in the park

Oh we can look and we can fuss
and we can make remarks
but that could be any one of us
a-sleeping in the park

If only life were different
if we all played our part
would this poor soul be laying there
a-sleeping in the park?

Is he a soldier with PTSD,
a-hiding in the booze?
When did he find this parking spot
where he could take a snooze?

We do not know just why he's there
does he have family's love and care?
Could he be you? Could he be me? Crashed there after dark?
A derelict specimen of humanity a-sleeping in the park!

Food for Thought Poetry by William Willbond: inspired by John Ward Leighton's photograph of male subject a-sleeping on the mean streets. Written at Saanichton BC 1131 hrs Monday 13 March 2006

A-SLEEPING IN THE PARK

©Copyright March 13, 2006 by William H.A. Willbond MSM, CD