We're Not Hobos
We're Not Hobos
An early Christmas morning car ride
To collect a loaned table from a friend
Saw me witness the anguish of many
Since Covid has been the trend.
I drove past a beautiful park
In good old Gympie town
Saw five cars parked together
Windows covered in sheets and a blue dressing gown.
I realised these people had no home
Certainly, not a present to open today
Nowhere to cook the turkey
No chance of receiving a bouquet.
My heart felt such a sense of heaviness
I admit I shed a silent tear
My thoughts during the morning stayed with them
Their life, their car, their despair.
I filled my arms from the pantry
And bundled it all in my car
I high tailed it back to the park
And handed the goodies to the food bar.
The RSL cavalry had since arrived
To feed the less fortunate during the day
I added my lot to the basket
And felt better as I walked away.
These parkies were not hobos,
They were all dressed neat and clean
Just that covid means there are no rentals
No place to live like a Queen.
It is not a life they have chosen
They cannot find a place to rent
Life just has them by the backside
Unanswered prayers are yet to be sent.
So be humbled by what you have done today
If you hugged family, opened gifts, and eaten your fill
I was privileged to see the other side of life
Resilience, determination, and a strong will.
© 2021 Jackee Ashwin
