Where are you today?
The heart that holds the memories
Of a family .. home .. and Christmas trees
Where are you today?
The homeless . . . elderly . . . silent man
Whose vision lives in shades of gray and black
That walked the city streets where I call home
The difference . . .
His entire life contained within plastic sack
. . Seen always to be alone
Given only a nod
If by chance our eyes should meet
His eyes holding mine within a vacant stare
Not once did the question find its voice
Could you help an old man out
With a bite to eat?
Was it the Veteran that I was to meet
Who found life at home a different war
Living now alone upon homeland's streets
A bagged bottle to be his only warmth
Or was he the grandpa that will never know
The loving embrace of a grandchild's glow
Does he cross another's mind
Does someone pray for this life to find
Where is this man today?
As I awoke to pull my blanket tight
Against the chill that claimed the night
His face appeared before my eyes
. . . . Wondering if he is still alive
No sight of him have I seen
He only haunts my restless dreams
As Summer sun gives way to Fall
And Winter has now come to call
I wish I had extended my hand to you
Not turned away as we all seem to do
If only I had asked your name
Asked of the world from which you came
A small dignity I could have given back to you
In your world you know so few
What could I have learned of you
From within the life you are forced to view
Your face represented
in growing numbers
Upon our world's cities streets
Among a sea of faces your eyes
Will be the memory I will meet
Where are you today?
WANTED
The world to take the time to recognize
There but by the grace of God go I
It seemed I would see him
Each time I was out and about
Chance meetings
Always held in silence
I have not seen anything of him
Now in months
He is the inspiration for this write
The faces he represents
A true sadness to my heart