I can remember when I was down and out
using vending machines like mad.
Trying to get change out of change dispensers
that someone had let go
mooching cigarette after cigarette
panhandling
drinking used pop
and eating other peoples' leftovr food.

I know it was extremely unsanitary
I even had to use public bathrooms, a lot,
the Salvation Army for a nightly stay
and one night I slept on a bench at the police station
I'd wear ***** clothes,
waited a couple of hours for a small donut,
and made a meal out of a 40 cent bag of
french fries at McDonald's
taking a load off.

Oh well - what a ******* experience.

I had been desolate, destitute, homeless,
a derelict and a strict person
but down and out - wow.