One hundred words…

Keith's Ramblings

for Friday Fictioneers

 

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To you, it’s just a street of shops. I watch as you arrive empty-handed then leave with bulging bags.

To me, it’s home, or it will be soon when the shutters rattle down and the bright lights fade.

I did okay today.  Enough for a burger.  I’ll spend as long as I can in McDonald’s before settling down for the night in my cosy shop doorway.  It’s damp but not too cold.

It’s different here at night.  Rats roam around.  Foxes and cats too.  I’ve more in common with them than with you. 

Sleep well tonight. Maybe I will, maybe not. 

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Thanks to Rochelle both hosting and supplying the photograph.

 

Prod the frog to see what others have come up with!

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67 thoughts on “One hundred words…”

  1. neilmacdon Oct 16, 2019 / 11:26

    I liked this “It’s different here at night. Rats roam around. Foxes and cats too. I’ve more in common with them than with you.”

    Liked by 1 person

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  2. rochellewisoff Oct 16, 2019 / 12:10

    Dear Keith,

    You’ve captured the life of a homeless man very well. I felt like I was there with him. Love the frog.

    Shalom,

    Rochelle

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  4. Sandra Oct 16, 2019 / 14:43

    The idea that once everyone has gone, once the lights have gone out, then it’s home for someone. Very touching.

    Liked by 1 person

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  5. Tannille Oct 16, 2019 / 15:13

    Horrible situation. It really should happen in first world nations but it does. Well written. Foxes were a nice but different touch.

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  6. bearmkwa Oct 16, 2019 / 15:40

    Poignant. A good reminder of the reality of so many less than fortunate souls out there just trying to survive. Even as I write this (from inside a McDonald’s) I can see a table encircled with homeless who come here to get warm, eat, bathe in the bathroom sink. Many have chosen this way of life and are resistant to help or change. Others, and you can tell, are here only temporarily until they get their feet back under them. Such is the reality of this world in which we live.

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    • Keith's Ramblings Oct 17, 2019 / 10:21

      They each have a story to tell, a reason for the situation they find themselves in. For some it’s a lifestyle choice, but not for the majority. Thanks so much for your interesting comment.

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      • bearmkwa Oct 17, 2019 / 14:02

        I agree.

        Liked by 1 person

  7. ceayr Oct 16, 2019 / 16:54

    Desperate days when you want to spend time in MacDonald’s!
    Excellent piece, Keith, as good as I’ve seen from you.

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. Na'ama Yehuda Oct 16, 2019 / 17:00

    Nicely done angle on that … all too real in urban centers. All too many persons whose voice this could be, right here in NYC.

    Liked by 1 person

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      • Na'ama Yehuda Oct 17, 2019 / 16:21

        True. Though perhaps I have the illusion/fantasy that in smaller towns people would be less lost in a crowd. Perhaps not. Perhaps it is really up to us, each of us, to remain more aware of those around us, and see those who often remain unseen, no matter if in a big town or a small village or a seaside town (LOVE seaside towns!!!),
        Na’ama

        Liked by 1 person

      • Keith's Ramblings Oct 18, 2019 / 09:26

        Very true, in fact several of our s are known by name to the locals and are part of the community.

        Liked by 1 person

      • Na'ama Yehuda Oct 18, 2019 / 16:29

        Still sad. Or is it even sadder, in some way? I don’t know. Sad, anyhow …

        Liked by 1 person

  9. pennygadd51 Oct 16, 2019 / 17:12

    This is nice fluent writing, Keith, with a strong theme. It is a tragedy – and a disgrace – that so many people are homeless even in rich nations.

    Liked by 1 person

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  10. messymimi's meanderings Oct 16, 2019 / 19:34

    It’s so sad. Those that are wanderers by choice, they call themselves migrant workers or hobos here, i understand they have made the choice and they work where they want and when they want. Those that are mentally ill, addicts, or homeless and afraid not by choice, i wish there were a way to help more of them.

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    • Keith's Ramblings Oct 17, 2019 / 10:12

      They each have a story to tell, a reason for being where they are. Thanks for you insightful comment Mimi

      Like

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  12. granonine Oct 16, 2019 / 21:41

    I get the strong sense that this homeless guy has no desire to be “rescued” by any well-meaning folks. Interesting story.

    Liked by 1 person

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    • Keith's Ramblings Oct 17, 2019 / 10:08

      Exactly so Linda. Several ‘rough sleepers’ in my town have been offered hostel accommodation but refused it.

      Liked by 1 person

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  18. spicedmullings Oct 17, 2019 / 07:48

    From your writing I can imagine both a person and a dog or cat existing though homeless. Well done!

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  20. Abhijit Ray Oct 17, 2019 / 16:03

    Who am I? Road or something on the road that watches everything that happens there?

    Liked by 1 person

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  23. angietrafford Oct 18, 2019 / 15:36

    I always feel sorry for people sleeping out rough especially when it comes to winter. Mind you, at least he managed to get enough for a burger. Great story.

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      • angietrafford Oct 19, 2019 / 14:33

        Very much so. It is even easier when you live where I do because in our little village never see anybody sleeping rough.

        Liked by 1 person

  24. Brenda's Thoughts Oct 19, 2019 / 00:44

    A sad and thought-provoking piece, sensitively written. It’s very sad, those who are homeless and struggle to meet their basic needs.

    Liked by 1 person

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  26. BeanVegan1984 Oct 19, 2019 / 16:02

    A poignant story about that ‘night time economy’ that we don’t usually see.

    Like

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  27. otakuaegyochan Oct 20, 2019 / 04:51

    Had to read a few times to understand the meaning, that’s how good it is. I like it very much, in a way I can relate to it.

    Liked by 1 person

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  28. patriciaruthsusan Oct 21, 2019 / 13:30

    A sad story based on the reality of making due in a bad situation, Keith. The comparisons were great. It seems more stories like those of Charles Dickens are needed. I loved the frog. —- Suzanne

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    • Keith's Ramblings Oct 24, 2019 / 14:22

      Indeed they are Suzanne. Thanks so much your generous words, Frog says Hi!

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