In public circulation
   but knows no home
   belongs to everyone
   never to one's own

   does die bit by bit
   the given-to-all person
   the adulation received
   is at the end-  deadly poison

I couldn't carry my weight
it caused me to stumble
couldn't even walk to the nearest gate
the **** of joke of the people-

she looked at me--beautiful Jade
and this she said: sloth is your trouble
yet I love you still--listen to what I've said
'exercise, don't over-eat--don't you dare grumble-

six months will be the test--not a day late
your report-card I'll keep-- quite simple!
it's all up to you- don't blame fate
persevere-- all day--by the double!'

the challenge I took up-- I did great
twenty kilos I shed-- I won the gamble!
we got married-- what a joy to celebrate
in Tuscany- isn't love the most wondrous miracle?

This isn't a poem, it's a challenge to write a poem inspired by Tom Waits.  You could write a poem inspired by a particular song of his, or you could just write a poem inspired by Wait's gritty vibe.....it's loads of fun and everyone is welcome to try.