The Tangled Branch Discussion Forums

One of those pre-covid 'snapshots' which has emerged from 'cold storage'.

"Bag Lady" In The Sunshine 

Dressed in floaty cool linen,
pastel shades of white and yellow,
and a broad straw hat.
Delicate strappy sandals,
and long white hair.

She dances on the paving slabs,
to a tune only she can hear. 
measured steps.
Arms poised before her,
around an invisible partner 

Her bundle of belongings,
tightly strapped in a rolled coat
which will defeat night time chills,
with small but sturdy boots
hanging from one end,
is protectively close alongside.

But for now, as the sun shines,
she reclines against the wall,
elegance personified,
having claimed the sunny spot
in the busy shopping mall.

Head tipped back,
sun highlighting her wrinkles,
she smiles at who knows what,
and stretches indolently,
like a drowsy cat.

Past unknown,
future uncertain,
comfortable in the present.

Gyppo 

Eish, brudda. So accurate on a memory. Back in the day, there was Crazy Mary played a guitar on a bench at the Wedge for like the tourists. Shithead dudes who I knew well would pluck her hat away just to  hear her scream - GIMME BACK MY FUCKEN HAT - in front of the startled tourists. Fuckheads. Right in front there was a scary reef to ride but volume and balls were never quite aligned. The days.   

Not much I can say here---if you recall from an earlier poem I wrote, I was one of a group of little girls who tried to kill a cat lady. I continue to do penance.

It was our parent's fault.

A good poem Gyypo.
'floaty' and 'strappy' don't work for me though,
and if it were mine I would cut the last line.
Nice read.