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Monday 23 April 2012

The Problem of Homelessness

The problem of homelessness is still with us, despite the best efforts of various charitable institutions to get vulnerable people off the streets.

Doorway
This public passage from street to inside,
Portal into commerce for the great unwashed,
Shining steps, marble facings,
Heavy glass doors, lobby and atrium.
In and out, coming and going.
Busy thoroughfare for those who have business,
And those there by appointment. 

Open by day, inviting, welcoming,
Drawing in customers, callers and couriers,
Doorway encouraging entry,
Corporate face smiling outwards in sunlight,
Past a security guard standing there, sentry.
Later closing, and locked for the night.

Soon quiet, deserted, no longer in use,
Unlit, unfrequented, darkened, but dry.
Entryway blocked off in empty hours,
Tall-ceilinged, a space in the gloom,
Now forming a cul-de-sac,
Three sides of a room,
Sheltered from the wind, and the worst of the cold,
A personal, private dead-end. 

Unfashionable accommodation,
At the heart of the West End,
But welcome nevertheless:
Singles only, I’m afraid -
No mattress, no breakfast,
Bring your own bedding and towels,
Lacks an en-suite,
Early check-out on week-days,
If not woken by passing feet,
Or a copper on the beat, moving you on.

Regular haunt for those on the street,
A good spot if you’re in the know,
Safer than shelters and hostels,
If there’s nowhere else you can go. 

By morning, it’s change-over time,
Becoming the same old place.
A care-taker sweeping away rubbish,
And a building resuming its usual face.


Copyright Andy Fawthrop 2012

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