The Homeless

He sits there in silence
Too cold to return my smile
I can tell by his posture
He’s been sitting there for a while
I wonder how he got there
What was his life’s story?
Was he a man of statue?
Or was it something much more gory?
Did he live from paycheck to paycheck
Like most of us do?
Or did he give his whole life
To someone that was untrue?
Was it a medical condition
That drained him of his funds?
Or was it a drug habit
That has his body sprung?

He sits there in silence
Too ashamed to return my gaze
Knowing that his condition
Is much more than a phase
How did he get there?
What choices did he make?
Why has society shunned him?
What was his big mistake?
Tell me, where’s his family?
Or the people that he call friends?
What selfish law of nature
Robbed him of his ends?

He sits there in silence
With both of his palms stretched out
On his face is a look of despair
Mixed with a hint of doubt
Both hair and promises unkept
Clothes and dreams both tattered
The picture frame of his younger self
Lay next them him all shattered
Why has he been forsaken?
Why has God turned His back?
If the Good Lord in heaven won’t help him
Then how am I supposed to act?
Do I give him money from my pocket
Money that I’ve worked for?
Would giving him my money
Bring me closer to being poor?
So, how do we help the homeless?
Is it by sharing our small wealth?
I think the best way to help the homeless
Is by not becoming one yourself.