I Forgot a Few Things - A poem of the streets.

I've got the gear,
to deal with this weather
but I forgot a few things
this long, hot summer past
about its current state.

Just some little things,
like the bivy bag's seam
and that little pinhole leak spot
right over my right hip
that lets water in.

Then there's my backpack,
which has serious strap issues
mingled in with a broken frame,
and those worn out spots
where the fabric tore.

The sleeping bag's good.
Still rated for twenty below
but that zipper needs some waxing
and reattaching down at bottom
so toes don't exit.

The coat needs washing,
with a touch of waterproofing
and the hat is still here,
if only mostly by spirit
and some duct tape.

At least my gloves
ain't given up the ghost,
though my liners made the effort
as the fingertips gave way
just the other morning.

Still, all in all,
I'm well equipped if compared
to the ones not all there,
who try sleeping outside nightly
while they get stoned.

So, I'll slog on,
wading through the morning snow
in boots needing resoling pretty soon,
hoping I don't fall down
and break my butt.

Or concrete upon impact.
5November2013 - Dyfedd Rex