By Gerard Sarnat
A doc who ministers
to Silicon Valley and Stanford
outcasts,
I’m struck by the swift
unconditional love,
and unlimited cash
lavished on animals.
Striving to staff non-profit
(on purpose) shelters
— a modest proposal
that often is more Grimm
than Portlandia —
I’m a “homeless person.”
Taken in lots over my life,
they’re family
till we boil them.
Many people have homeless babies —
homes are small
so it makes sense.
Fewer folk can keep homeless adults,
at least inside.
What you do see quite a bit
is what we call
“community unhoused.”
These live outside
as local free-range, not feral.
Dishes are set up
with fresh organic feed
so they’re plump and seem healthy.
I hand out treats.
Some are skittish, hard to pet.
A bunch hang around our building
— neighbors
must cook them.
Domesticated humans without homes
satisfy me.
Can’t imagine
fulfillment without
at least a couple in the frig.
Gerard Sarnat is the author of two critically acclaimed poetry collections, 2010’s Homeless Chronicles from Abraham to Burning Man and 2012’s Disputes. He has been published or is forthcoming in over 85 journals and anthologies. Harvard and Stanford educated, Gerry’s been a physician who’s set up and staffed clinics for the disenfranchised, a CEO of healthcare organizations, and a Stanford professor. For “The Huffington Post” review of his work and more, visit GerardSarnat.com. “Can Do” and “Cringeworthy” may appear in his third collection, 17s, in which each poem, stanza or line has 17 syllables.
