Merak Magazine

A Street Musician’s Plea

Sure, I screwed up somewhere along the line.

But at least I held onto this guitar,

even if I can’t afford new strings.

And I know some old songs,

not from my childhood exactly,

but I’m hoping they’re from yours.

 

Yes please, recognize something

in the words,

evoke a time when you were

warm and dry and loved

and this tune was playing.

Surely such a pleasant memory

is worth a coin or two

dropped into my tin cup.

 

But I’m scarred, missing teeth,

ratty-haired and frightening

to young children.

So don’t look at me.

I can’t afford it.

 

John Grey

John Grey is an Australian poet, US resident. Recently published in That, Dunes Review, Poetry East and North Dakota Quarterly with work upcoming in Haight-Ashbury Literary Journal, Thin Air, Dalhousie Review and failbetter.
John Grey
John Grey

John Grey is an Australian poet, US resident. Recently published in That, Dunes Review, Poetry East and North Dakota Quarterly with work upcoming in Haight-Ashbury Literary Journal, Thin Air, Dalhousie Review and failbetter.

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