The Human Condition

I wake to the sound
Of the birds outside,
Children going to school
Stretch: It's another day.

I dress and head out
To the shops
For milk and bread
In the streets I see 

The homeless again;
The man with his guitar
And dog, people tossing
Into his hat the odd coin.

The man employed to 
Pick litter off the streets.
Market traders,
Businessmen and women 

Back home I have to work
For money- a mundane job.
I couldn't pay the bills
If I didn't do this.

I break for lunch:
A ready meal or
Something similar
Then back working.

It's tedious,
And afterwards the call
Of alcohol becomes
Too strong so

I head to the pub,
Sit at the bar.
Some others might
Still be at home

Looking after children,
Or petting, kissing,
Others are on the streets.
I head home half-drunk.

Waking later to the sound
Of birdsong again.
Washing up in the sink
Letters by the front door.

I stretch.
The pattern repeats...

MDC