His mantra starts out,
“Warm, clean, comfortable.”
He’s had his share of troubles —
health, work, relationships.
He’s never been consoled to hear,
“Others have it so much worse.”
Why would that make him feel
better? How many people go hungry,
combing dumpsters for food,
or sleep in cardboard boxes
in freezing weather? Others
may see him as a “kook.” At least
he’s not a criminal, eying what
others have, ready to pounce.
Nor is he filled with ethnic hatred.
In the darkness of his bedroom,
a cover pulled over his ear,
for a moment, he’s grateful he is
not in danger and he can
safely fall asleep.