Monday, September 7, 2009

Monday Poem. The Crooked Man and His Cart

TotalFekinEejit's Monday Poem. Today about somebody you have seen in a cafe. I forgot so am a few minutes into Tuesday. I hope that's OK.

The Crooked Man and His Cart

He parked his cart across the way
And walked unsteadily that day
His back was bent, his clothes a mess
I hope he doesn't sit by me - I thought - I must confess.

His coffee came served with a smile
The proprietor he liked his style
The old man lit his smoke and sat
And fell asleep - I had to laugh - still in his hat

After his nap he then awoke
Downed his coffee, had a smoke
Then staggered off to fetch his cart
It rattled on the cobbles - wobbly wheels - and touched my heart.


This was in France and here he is.
There he goes with his cart. Ours is the orange car he is passing. We went to France for a few days for my birthday in 2005, phew, 4 years ago.

18 comments:

Totalfeckineejit said...

It's never too late BT!Lovely portrait,beautifully and sympathetically done,not a bad life for the old man,at least the sun shines!A touch of humour as he falls asleep in his hat. The last two lines were my favourites.Compassion revealed as, though you were nervous of his company,he still touched your heart.Great stuff BT, thanks for joining in again, more next week, ok?

steven said...

nice writing bt, nice life for the old boy as well. a nap and coffee. i don't smoke so that's just a long ago memory for me but it's a good memory all the same. i like that he's carved himself something good!!!!! have a lovely evening. steven

Lisa at Greenbow said...

This is a compelling poem. We are reminded to be compassionate and kind. You never know who will be pushing that cart next. I'm glad you didn't keep this poem to yourself. Cheers.

Anonymous said...

What a touching poem and photo BT. Kind of like a child he is, being comfortable enough to fall asleep where others are busy chatting! He must be content.

DK said...

oh how lovely!!

Arija said...

Beautiful BT Love your poem and its subject. Safe place for a little nap for the old man.

KathyB. said...

I very much like this poem and the feelings of compassion, slightly mixed with apprehension at possible interaction with the old man, evoke. Feelings I have often felt when confronted with the possibility of having to connect in some way with a questionable person....beautiful BT.

NanU said...

Beautiful.

Carol said...

I love the poem!!!

C x

Jason said...

Nice poem, great you can actually see him. He does not disappoint.

x

Titus said...

BT - I enjoyed this, and was so taken aback when I got to the cigarette, until it was revealed pictorially as France!
Like KathyB, that combination of compassion for the man together with concern that he may sit by you is so recognisable, and beautifully captured!
I liked this, and the photos, very much.

Batteson.Ind said...

Nice pictures all round.. :-) agreed, the ole fella has a nice life, hopefully still... cheers!

Rachel Green said...

What a delight, Gina

Mim said...

you never know who might be an angel in disguise!

Bea said...

You are so talented. Loved the poem and the photos. :)Bea

Heather said...

Lovely poem BT for that dear old man. Hope life isn't too hard for him.

The Weaver of Grass said...

Gina - better late than not at all - that poem is absolutely lovely.

soulbrush said...

don't know where to start...so much to do, so little time, but you know i envy your lifestyle, don't you?