Drifters' Season - A Poem of the Streets

Like an over-due migration,
the Drifter's Season is upon us
out here on the cold streets
as the homeless begin moving
seeking greener pastrues now
with the end of Giving Season.

Some are just discouraged,
beaten down too many damned times,
denied a chance to find footing
that let's them rejoin stand up
with just some dignity
as they claw back into Society.

Others are always movers,
drifting from place to distant place,
seeking to remain in perpetual obscurity,
to continue their evil ways,
be it criminal actions
or drug abuse and alcoholic bouts.

Been told fervent good-byes
four times in as many days.
Folks heading to places seeking warmth,
job opportunities, or just leaving.
Happens about every January,
this strange migration to other places.

Some just outright disappear,
no farewells or warning to others,
just fade off into the distance
leaving friends with no clue
if they are safe,
as they leave town in silence.

Before next full moon
I expect to see fewer folks
I know among the milling crowds
as they drift away slowly
each to some place
where they feel a chance awaits.

So, Safe Journeys, Travelers.
Keep the faith as you leave,
and if it don't work out,
remember, we'll still be around
though our own feet
might feel that itch to travel.

And if we stay,
don't chastise us for sticking around,
remember, we all drift about ocassionally,
even if just in where
we hold our signs
as we seek our way out.
13January2014 - Dyfedd Rex