A Moment's Pause

I met a homeless man today
A man like you or me
He'd lost most everything he had
His house, his family
He's slept in sheltered doorways
He's lived the longest day
He's dreaded every night-time
With depression and dismay

His needs are very simple
Some food to stay alive
A sleeping bag and woolly hat
Essentials to survive
But the greatest pain he suffers
As people pass him by
He feels himself invisible
A black star in the sky

For John is very special
His tale is sad but true
You'll realise when listening
It could be me or you
What hurts him most is loneliness
Of not being really there
Despite the acts of kindness
Despite the acts of care

A word or two works wonders
A chat will keep him warm
He thinks that he will make it
He's anxious to conform
But while he's in transition
And while he's on his way
Please stop and share a moment
And give him time of day

© Declan Whitney 2020