Home Town

Latest

Home Town
Julie Rogers

Gray sweats slipping down
his ass bending over
the trash can, throwing cans
over his shoulder landing
just where he aims
near the corner of Harrison St.
where I turn off
the Embarcadero at 1 am
driving home to Oakland

minding his businesson the job when there’s less
competition—it’s quiet—
the bridge lights dark fire
across the bay, the electric skyline
works almost as good
as a headlamp, no interruptions
no people, no cops now—
don’t care anyway—it’s doable

picking through for a few bucks,
dinner with luck and know how
he’s on it, middle of the night,
the Ferry Building past him
he’s made way to this corner.
This man is not a tourist.
This man lives wherever he sleeps
here in town. He’s an expert.

I used to have a pair of sweatpants
like his. I don’t bend much
for a living these days
but still they got worn down
sitting at my desk.
I just threw them out. That man
will never know this poem
is for him. The light changed.
I turned right to the freeway.

4-19-25
for him

+ Articles by this author

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Fragile Ceasefire Victory and the Role of the Global Movement

In 2024, 125 nations of the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister. This and countless other unprecedented acts of resistance took place against a “war” that revealed itself daily as outright genocide. The world’s people expressed their common humanity through actions and voices...sustaining this epic unity for the battles that lie ahead is critical for real peace..."

“No Kings” Protests Set to Sweep US Even as Trump Increases Attacks on Activists

Republicans are already smearing the protesters, but their intimidation tactics are out of touch with reality.

ICE Fears Put Pregnant Immigrants and Their Babies at Risk

Fear of deportation is deterring people without permanent legal status from critical care. Doctors are worried for the health of pregnant immigrants, and the health of their pregnancies. This story was originally reported by 19thnews.org.

Government Shutdown and the Blame Game

Using a bold-faced lie President Trump and Vice President Vance blamed immigrants, particularly the undocumented, for the government shutdown now in effect throughout the country. The Republican plan would increase Obamacare payments and make Medicaid cuts.

Emmy-Winning Journalist Deported After Reporting on Anti-Trump Protest

Emmy award-winning journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador – a country he fled over 20 years ago — in retaliation for filming law enforcement activities, says the Committee to Protect Journalists.

More from the People's Tribune