SIXTEEN OCCASIONAL POEMS

1990–2000

   

2 – WINTER HOUSEKEEPING

 

Poem: Alasdair Gray © 2005

 

In weather like this the homeless can hardly live

and every year sees more of them, none of them me.

I give to beggars of course, though charity

prolongs their pain. So do market forces.

 

Strong brains who tackle problems of this kind

need the protection of a cosy house

or several. I manage with only two

and love these freezing slushy Glasgow streets

at home in bed here, holding and held by you.

 
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