Train to Newport (1962)

I was but fifteen-years old, when
Tom and I snuck into the freight yard,
To catch a train going to Chicago.
I was surprised at my stupidity!

It stopped in Newport, Minnesota,
Seven-miles from home, and we
And we both (Tom and I) kicked stones,
Walking those dark miles back home.

Note: The author did many things when he was young, but he never hopped a train again, it was his first and last time. #1241 2/23/06

Homeless in ‘68

The homeless man has naught
For I was, when I was in San Francisco

Back in ‘68
Everything is pointed against him
You want to cry a little, but I held it in.

It gets dark quick when you’re homeless.
No matter what side of the street you’re

On, a homeless man is in hot water!

#1240 2/23/06

In 1968, Dennis traveled from Minnesota to San Francisco by train, he had a streak of bad luck and had to eat at the mission house, and ended up sleeping on a sofa in a dojo, for several weeks, and then on someone porch on a couch for $5-dollars a week (a Spanish family). Then finally he found a job, and got a real room to roost in, and was very happy.

In Spanish
Translated by Nancy Penaloza

El Tren hacia Newport (1962)

Yo solo tenia 15 a

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