Tramps and Bowlers
In the park in front of my place, every night A bunch of tramps sleep on the wooden porch Of the bowling green club-house. They shed no light. No policeman ever wakes them with a torch, Because no one reports their nightly stay. People like me who take an early walk Just after dawn will see them start the day By packing up. They barely even talk, Loading their duffel bags. They leave no trace, Thus proving some who sleep rough aren’t so dumb. Tramps blow their secret if they trash the place: This lot make sure that, when the bowlers come, There’s not a beer-can to pollute the scene.
And so, by day, neat paragons of thrift And duty bow down to the very green Which forms, by night, for scruffs who merely drift, Their front lawn. If the bowlers only knew, For sure they’d put in for a higher fence. They’d have a point, but it would spoil the view More than the tramps will, if they have the sense To keep on cleaning up before they go, Protecting indolence with industry: A touch of what the bowlers value so. Which way of life is better? Don’t ask me — I chose both, so I’d be the last to know.
Clive James
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