Collecting bottles on the street
Beer and soda cans
Picking up recyclables
That’s my mission, that’s my plan.
Five cents for returnables
I take them to the store
I got as much as fifty cents
Sometimes I get much more.
Folks will save their cans for me
Knowing I’ll buy cigarettes
Still they give me what they can
No guilt and no regrets.
I’m considered homeless
But, I live in a group home
I spend my days out on the street
I prefer to be alone.
I take a shower daily
I’m not dirty, I don’t smell
They say that I’m bipolar
If you see me, you can’t tell.
I don’t bother anybody
I keep my business to myself
I don’t look for trouble
I don’t ask “no one” for help.
Sometimes I get some coffee
From the merchant down the street
Once in awhile …. a breakfast bun
He never charges me.
I sweep his stoop for just a dollar
Make sure his car is safe
He parks it in the alley
It’s there most everyday.
I head back home by nightfall
They lock the doors by ten
They show a movie every night
And, serve ice cream now and then.
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Image: Google Images. Best Can Beer. Thrillist.
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