Life 9

I do poetry readings on my youtube channel. https://www.youtube.com/@ThomasWCase

I’ve walked streets that lied while smiling.
Ate men for brunch.
Fell headlong into gutters of absinthe
and caverns of filth.
Laughed with the devil
over last night’s stolen vodka.
Foolishness was my only principle.
It led me lost, wandering,
waking up to bruises, scratches,
and a broken mind.

Wisdom lands on solid ground.
Not a birthright.
Never handed as a pacifier when I was a toddler.
You scrape it from the concrete,
from the broken women,
where brutal night whispers truths
you’d rather not see.

It’s slow,
like coffee cooling on your desk,
like nickels piling up,
like the gentle pink and violet kiss of dawn.

It lifts you up,
steadies the line,
so you don’t wander
into the chaotic highway.

I’ve seen men run from wisdom,
laugh in the face of direction,
stumble into the dark and die alone, broken.
Empty, fading eyes,
asking why.

I used to be one of them.

Wisdom lands on solid ground.
It’s always been a choice.
Foolishness seems so fun.
And I smile now
as I visit the cemetery,
watch the news,
take the mouse
from the trap
and throw it in the trash,
and thank God
I finally listened.

Author's Note

If this poem spoke to you, there's a longer spoken-word reading with a jazz backdrop on my YouTube channel here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?vxSb3oMjGoHQ

You can find my poetry books on Amazon Its Just a Hop, Skip, and Jump to the Madhouse, Seedy Town Blues, and more right here:
https://www.amazon.com/stores/Thomas-W.-Case/author/B0CL2RKDGX

Thanks for reading, listening, and walking the miles with me.

Thomas W. Case

Reviews

[John the Baptist]

I was a taxi driver in my youth and a mental health worker in my professional life. I saw many people who fit the description mentioned in your poem. That you survived such a life says much about you. Perhaps through your excellent writing you can help those still stuck in such lifestyles.

[Thomas W Case]

That would be wonderful. Thanks, John.

[Coyote Poetry]

When we learn. The simple things we need. We gain wisdom Thomas. You danced around many thoughts. Weather getting better. Almost fifty for two days. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Thomas W Case]

Thanks, my friend. I appreciate it.

[Desert Knave]

Such strong and at times stark imagery. I spent much time as an addict, and a short time living in my car and see things in this write that I recall well. ~Jim

[Thomas W Case]

Yes, it was a miserable life. Thanks for reading.

[Chris Shaw]

What a journey Thomas and what an incredible learning curve birthed in pain. Keep ahead of the pitfalls.

Chris

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you, Chris.

[Michael Sun Bear]

Truly brilliant writing Thomas. It speaks so strongly, feels as if you are but one footstep ahead of your past. I’m going to save this one.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you my friend. Much appreciated.

[Soren]

So well imaged this poem seems a picture of realism that melts into impressionism and then becomes surreal. Lovey wording Thomas it sends its message well.

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it.

[Soren]

You are most welcome

[red93]

Another tremendous Journey to the Dark and Troubled Heart of the American Dream Thomas. Exceptional ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you. Much appreciated.

[ETERNITY]

Thomas W. Case, I love your readings! Never miss them!
https://www.youtube.com/@ThomasWCase

[ETERNITY]

Wow! Thomas W. Case, this gave me so many feelings! Deep gut wrenching knowing you could easily have died with so many others.
Exhilaration that you didn't.
I'd have to copy paste the entire work here to display the parts that really got me.
Just beautiful, my friend

[Thomas W Case]

Thank you so much. I appreciate it.