Sharp Edges of Vanity


He pulls the sidewalk
around him like a blanket,
its oiled footprints reeking
of cigarette butts
and cloying desperation,
neon his nightlight.

Stars as close as dreams
avoid his transient bed,
their self indulgence glaring
through designer eyes.
A homeless man repulsive
to their privileged senses.

Wrapped in torn paper
entertainment news
 bleeds across his skin
scarring his identity
with the sharp edges
of Hollywood’s vanity.
Fame has more value than life.

©Susie Clevenger 2012
Photograph: Reuter’s








Sharp Edges of Vanity by susie-clevenger

Comments

Daydreamertoo said…
Humans have been going wrong now for well over 100 years. When beauty can be bought and paid for by plastic surgery, teeth can be as white and dazzling as fresh snow and people starve, and walk the streets trying to survive. People began worshiping money and false idols (actors/singers) and everything began to be a fairy tale, instead of seeing reality.
Your piece hits home for its sad truths. If you have nothing now at this present time, then, you are no-one. Sad, isn't it?
Lovely write.
January 13, 2012 at 7:14 AM
Ben Ditty said…
Omg, this is eye opening and everything a poem needs to be! The allusion to the entertainment industry and Hollywood's vanity... AHH so good :-)
January 13, 2012 at 7:17 AM
Janet Martin said…
WOW! I hope you get this into many magazines etc. An intensely striking first line to open an intensely striking, hard hitting poem.
January 13, 2012 at 7:40 AM
Unknown said…
Susie~
This is one of your best. Imagery is sharp. Message clear.
January 13, 2012 at 12:09 PM
Susie Clevenger said…
Thank you Daydreamer...the entertainment news got under my skin so it sparked this piece
January 13, 2012 at 3:22 PM
Susie Clevenger said…
Thanks Janet...Hollywood and its vanity just got my ire up
January 13, 2012 at 3:23 PM
Susie Swanson said…
WOW, this is so good and such a powerful write.. I wrote and posted about this very subject last summer or spring.. Thanks for sharing.. Susie
January 13, 2012 at 5:19 PM
Preeti S. said…
Your poem brings to light the detachment of a poor man from not only the people but the nature as well as his limited resources make him estranged from our world of luxuries. Brilliant.
January 14, 2012 at 5:09 AM
Scarlet said…
Isn't this so sad...great moving post ~
January 14, 2012 at 4:38 PM
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