Three Pieces on Homelessness and the Holidays, by Sylvester “Sonny” Jackson

(Illustration by Prisoner K)

Sylvester “Sonny” Jackson is a writer and retired Marine. As many of you know, Sonny is one of the most important members of our writing workshop for people returning from incarceration. This time last year, Sonny was returning home from 71 days in prison, the result of a violation issued by his parole officer. Sonny’s return, though, had one central problem: he’d lost his basement apartment while imprisoned and no longer had a home to come back to.

After staying with his niece for most of the winter then sleeping in a friend’s truck for much of the spring, Sonny has found a temporary residence with a private room at one of the facilities set up by Exodus Transitional Communities to house people coming come from the Covid-infested New York city and state carceral apparatus.

Sonny has said numerous times that he does his best writing in the darkest part of the night, one reason why he’s so glad to have a room of his own. It was sometime after 2am during this past week when he wrote these poems, undoubtedly thinking about where he was this time last year and where so many people like him are this week while many of us cozy up from the cold in our warm homes. He also recorded himself reading the first, “Tis the Night Before Christmas for a Homeless Man,” in that singularly wonderful voice of his, which we’re sharing here in addition to publishing the three poems.

Tis the Night Before Christmas for a Homeless Man

‘Tis the night before Christmas, and I’m out and about, pushing my shopping cart, looking for cans.

There’s not another walking the street, but I thought I saw St. Nick or maybe it was St. Pete.Another year without a present under the tree, I can’t even get into the shelter so they can feed me.

No Christmas party where I can dance. No eggnog or fruitcake, or anything that looks like mistletoe.

No Christmas cheer, or even a song.

Just me sitting on the heated grate, eating my Christmas dinner that I got out of that garbage can.

Just another night before Christmas for a homeless man. Maybe next year will be better.

Maybe I’ll look in the dumpster and find a sweater.

Or maybe my family will let me come home.

A Place to Rest My Head

Another day I’ve been blessed to open my eyes. No smile on my face, but no tears in my eyes.

Earlier this year, I slept in a truck, hoping I’d make it to another day with any luck.

Like Joseph, Jesus and Mary, all I’d hoped for was a place to lay my head. Just for one night. One more night.

I awoke this morning and opened my eyes, and saw that the sun did rise.

I have so many angels watching and caring about me as I go about my day, looking for a place to lay my head. Tomorrow I may not be as fortunate as many and most, but at least tonight I’ve found a place to lay my head.

I tell myself, “Close your eyes and get some rest. When tomorrow comes, just give it your best. ‘Cause that’s really all we can do.” This is all I can wish for you.

A Season Without Much Cheer

I walk the street, looking for family member or maybe a friend. I don’t know when I started this journey, or where it will end. And yet I am grateful for the things I have. I have shoes without socks, a coat without a hat. I’ve found a bridge where I can sleep, wrapped up in a blanket that’s slightly torn. And I’m grateful for another blessed day that’s as equal to the one when I was born.

Many of my homeless friends may not make it through this winter. We can only hope that things get better. Some will not laugh, but most will cry. But we’ll try to get through this together.

Yet another season without much cheer, but I’ve met so many people I shall always hold dear. Even though most of us may not be here for the holiday season next year, remember us in your hearts when you raise your glass and welcome a new year.

Remember me as your buddy. Your friend. Your pal. Remember the time we shared, as well.

And never spend another season without much cheer. Be grateful for what you have, but most importantly for your family and friends.

Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year.

Sonny with his cat Bentley, this time last year