“Bag Lady” - 3rd Place - by Jennifer Jones

BAG LADY - THIRD PLACE

Jennifer Jones*

She wanders the streets aimlessly, Heading whichever way the wind blows. With tattered clothes and disheveled hair She has no place to go.

Muddy green mittens cover her frail hands; The fingers are cut out, numb and exposed, Gripping a rusty shopping cart She has no place to go.

Inside her cart, are a host of plastic bags. The contents in her bags are worthless, But it is not a misconception That the contents in those bags, Matches her-self-perception.

She is ignored, invisible to the crowd. Although from time to time she is greeted With looks of utter disgust, She wishes and longs For someone, anyone she can trust.

The only words that are spoken to her Are by her stomach Telling her it’s time to eat. She wanders to the nearest trash can, Looking for any kind of treat.

Although her stomach is satisfied, She bears a pain that no one knows. She continues on her journey, She has no place to go.