AboveTheRayne

A cold crisp night in the month of December, peering
through the frosted window of my Cavalier Mini Van.
I shrugged my shoulders and sighed, thinking of the
long winter ahead.

Parked beneath a street lamp, alone again, nowhere
to go, just biding my time. Glaring at passers by,
watching the goings on of poor street people
wandering aimlessly about. My appearance, intruding
in their space , as they study me wondering why.

If only they knew, I feel their loneliness and
understand their pain. Being once homeless myself,
after all. Yes it was many years ago when I joined
the ranks of the homeless in the big city of Montreal.
An awakening to be sure, though short lived, it was
a step into the reality of the real world.

I met many different people shall we say, yes indeed.
My first introduction to drag queens, gay men dressed
to the hilt in female clothing. Female and male
prostitution, thieves with clients, mink coats, elaborate
suits. Whatever your hearts desire, they provide.

It was a new lifestyle, one I adapted too very quickly.
As the idea of being homeless was not something I
desired, I decided to return to the home of rules and
though difficult to swallow, I knew this was the best
decision I could make.

O my mind continued to dip into the valley of unforgotten
memories and I plucked a few doozies to the forefront. I
watched a deal going down, the exchange of drugs from
hand to hand. I tingled slightly inside, remembering the
rush. I’m observing too many eyes looking at me, time
to move on.

Another time, another place, perhaps one day I’ll come
back and engage with some in conversation. For now,
I’ll start up my van and move on. Taking my memories
with me, I placed my key in the ignition and slowly drove
away, watching through my rear-view mirror , necks
stretch long in wonder.

(c)2013 above the rain…all rights reserved