Smooth, Shiny, Big Black Bags

Smooth, Shiny, Big Black Bags

Each bag is scented

with the smell of pot and tobacco.

Nubby blankets are rolled up, gritty

with allusion to life on the street.

Tiny pills in blister packs sit inside,

unused and impotent.

Hand pipe, glowing green, is burned,

broken and crusted brown.

A rainbow-hued stuffed bear plops

in bag two, sparkly, glittery.

Bits of Astro-bright paper with numbers

float between loose, unmatched socks.

Creams and lotions weight another bag, as

comfort for suffering skin.

Flannel balls of odorous shirts float amongst

snack food packets, singles, and shooters.

He organized the stained sleeping bag,

shook off the pebbles.

Nightly, with the smooth, shiny bags across his back,

he searches for a flat surface.