Homeless Christmas

After a visit to Dublin near Christmas time I had reason to go down Grafton Street. After a few hours on my return journey I couldn’t help but notice how the scene had changed in such a short space of time from the happy Christmas season of the early evening to the poor miserable winter night. Homeless people gathered to receive some help from the volunteers before bedding down in a doorway for the night under the Christmas lights erected by the City Council that cost thousands of euro to decorate the street.

The Christmas lights on Grafton Street are peaceful and serene,

And the happy Christmas shoppers complete this festive scene,

But when the shops close and the shoppers are gone home,

A different group arrive cold hungry and forlorn.

It’s difficult to imagine this pitiful sight,

There’s a terrible contrast between day and night.

They gather for the handouts from the good volunteers,

Who have set up their stalls near Brown Thomas and Weirs.

With soup and a sandwich, they’re gone on their way,

To find a nice dry spot and call it a day,

Their mattress is cardboard, a doorway their bed,

And their' worthy possessions safe under their head.

So, what is the story how you ended up here?

With no home to go to living in fear,

Were you fond of the hash and run short of cash?

Or did you spend too much time on the lash?

Did you lose a good job and run short a few bob?

And the vultures arrived and your house they did rob?

Did you leave there with sadness and a heavier load?

As the bailiff pointed your way to the road,

And where is your husband your children your wife?

Are they somewhere leading a similar life?

As you lie here misery with scarcely your name,

On Irelands premier street of shame.

Our country leaders try to turn a blind eye,

But the scenes on Grafton Street will tell you tell no lie.

Go see for yourself on a cold winter’s night,

You’ll find the story I’m telling is right.

And when you reflect in the cold light of day,

you’ll agree that there should be a different way.

So wake up smell the roses before it’s too late,

The horse has bolted and ran for the gate.

You can bring him back if you move now and fast,

And make homelessness a thing of the past.

Please do it now and be proud of your feat,

Don’t do it for me but for the man on the street.

So tonight, when you lie on your crisp linen sheets,

Think of the homeless who lie on the streets.

Damian Cullen,

Dec 2019