Homeless Man

He used to be a strapping young man
with dreams and plans for the future
dreams of being a test pilot or a football star
like every other young adult
now decades later he sits on the corner
of the busy parking lot
wearing regurgitated clothing
looking like he himself is the result of
having been spit out of life’s mouth the way
a tobacco user spews his chew
next to him is a big dirty blonde dog
his head lies on the man’s thigh
thankful to have a companion
oblivious to his predicament
the man’s grimy hand rests on the dog’s shoulder
as if reassuring him they will have a meal today
they don’t let dogs into the shelter at night
he’d rather have his best friend than a warm bed
a hot meal and a shower
their bond made stronger by the struggle