Having just arrived in town,
I called an old friend, I hadn't seen for quite a while.
When I asked him if there was a place to stay, nearby,
he told me to just sit tight. He would be right down.
You can stay with me. I've got a place.
It's not far from the station.
So I grabbed my bags and followed him
as he explained he had plenty of space.
You're sure the wife and kids won't mind?
He said, It's not a problem.
We have our own place. There's lots of room.
I said , you're very kind.
Down one alley and then another and then there was one more.
We ended our journey, four blocks away, behind an appliance store.
The wife and kids are asleep in the car and me, I sleep right here.
This is my box, the big one here, the one that's labeled "Kennmore".
What happened, I asked, in total amazement?
You had it all so good!
The bank foreclosed. They took my cars and work's impossible to find.
My family and I had nowhere to go. We had to make other arrangements.
I'm sure, he said, that things will get better.
Our spirit is not yet broken.
My hands may be tied,
But at least we're still together.
We get some food from the pantry, that people kindly donate.
Can I interest you in some "Corn Flakes"? They’re dry, but still taste great.
We don't have much, but what we've got, we'll gladly share with you!
My house is your house. We should sleep, it's getting pretty late.
I spent the night in the refrigerator box. A shelter without a door.
When I woke, we said goodbye. I put a c-note on the dashboard.
I will never forget how warm it was,
that night at the "Hotel Kennmore"!
Adding your comment:
I'd give you the golden chalice if I could. 
This piece is very heart-warming, and also heart-breaking at the same time. I'm at a loss for words... your friend's sad story was very well written, capturing the reader's (mine, at least) empathy and imagination. I like how the subject in your poem was able to stand tall admist his burden of homelessness. Wow, keep up the great work!! And thank you for sharing your thoughts. We need more people like you in this cold world. 
Not many people would bother to give their time like you do, reaching out to help our own downtrodden right in our own front yards... I really admire people like yourself... so thank you for being you!! 
xx Cyn xx
