I realize that this post will seem odd. I don’t really have a venue to pose it in front of colleagues before publishing. I thought that here might be the greatest cross-section of folks imaginable, and so far my contributions have been met with respect by some really cool members. So, to put it in context:
During my tenure as a cop in SC, I have found that many neighborhoods have some place where “drunks” congregate. Not regular folks and craft beer enthusiasts, but hardcore alcoholics (the kind who use beer for their cornflakes – if they eat at all.) Usually they are harmless, but often fights break out and occasional police intervention is needed. I found out early in my career that treating these folks with respect was rewarding. I solved many a crime from information confided in me by these society “outcasts.” These places had many different names, “The Hill,” “The Crossroads,” “The Tree” etc.. Some “regular” folks would refer to the places as “The Unemployment Tree” because, it seemed as though no one had a job and they just got drunk all day.
Recently, I had the task of seeking out and arresting one of these folks that my investigation revealed was a frequent member of one of the aforementioned “spots.” He apparently did some heavy five-finger lifting at a local store. As a writer, sometimes ideas hit and I write them down. I’m hardwired this way I guess.
Below is a poem written just today. I would ask of those who may read, the following:
1. Does such a place exist where you live, and if so, what is it called?
2. What do you think of the poem? Yea or nea.
3. What should be the title?
THP, If I am out of line please delete this post, my intent is honorable and I seek only honest feedback and nothing more. I understand if it is not proper and will take no offense if it is deemed outside permissible bounds.
Thank you.
- Reggie
[SIZE=14pt]Drunk Tree[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]By R.E. Sharpe[/SIZE]
Travel the states and you will see,
Drunkard conventions at the “unemployment tree.”
Haggard looks surpassed by breath, various stages of cirrhosis death.
It may be known by many names, “the hill,” “the spot” or other such fames.
Surprising just who you’ll find here, around burn barrel with cheap ass beer.
In spite of their looks, they’re not all zeroes, former management, sports stars and old war heroes.
Fanciful stories round go plenty, forty-ounce, vodka pint and “Mad Dog 20/20.”
No dress code, wear whatever duds, loose-knit club of cigs and suds.
For the most part you’re among some friends, till fisticuffs and party ends.
A fiesta locale that never stops, lest wallets empty or come the cops.
This activity some call sin, they’ll be right back tomorrow to do it again.
During my tenure as a cop in SC, I have found that many neighborhoods have some place where “drunks” congregate. Not regular folks and craft beer enthusiasts, but hardcore alcoholics (the kind who use beer for their cornflakes – if they eat at all.) Usually they are harmless, but often fights break out and occasional police intervention is needed. I found out early in my career that treating these folks with respect was rewarding. I solved many a crime from information confided in me by these society “outcasts.” These places had many different names, “The Hill,” “The Crossroads,” “The Tree” etc.. Some “regular” folks would refer to the places as “The Unemployment Tree” because, it seemed as though no one had a job and they just got drunk all day.
Recently, I had the task of seeking out and arresting one of these folks that my investigation revealed was a frequent member of one of the aforementioned “spots.” He apparently did some heavy five-finger lifting at a local store. As a writer, sometimes ideas hit and I write them down. I’m hardwired this way I guess.
Below is a poem written just today. I would ask of those who may read, the following:
1. Does such a place exist where you live, and if so, what is it called?
2. What do you think of the poem? Yea or nea.
3. What should be the title?
THP, If I am out of line please delete this post, my intent is honorable and I seek only honest feedback and nothing more. I understand if it is not proper and will take no offense if it is deemed outside permissible bounds.
Thank you.
- Reggie
[SIZE=14pt]Drunk Tree[/SIZE]
[SIZE=12pt]By R.E. Sharpe[/SIZE]
Travel the states and you will see,
Drunkard conventions at the “unemployment tree.”
Haggard looks surpassed by breath, various stages of cirrhosis death.
It may be known by many names, “the hill,” “the spot” or other such fames.
Surprising just who you’ll find here, around burn barrel with cheap ass beer.
In spite of their looks, they’re not all zeroes, former management, sports stars and old war heroes.
Fanciful stories round go plenty, forty-ounce, vodka pint and “Mad Dog 20/20.”
No dress code, wear whatever duds, loose-knit club of cigs and suds.
For the most part you’re among some friends, till fisticuffs and party ends.
A fiesta locale that never stops, lest wallets empty or come the cops.
This activity some call sin, they’ll be right back tomorrow to do it again.
However I'm not opposed to a brief description of what inspired it. 
