Wednesday, April 27, 2011

W - is for WAYSIDE

As I thought of what to write for the letter "W", I remembered a poem I wrote over 20 years ago.  I've always had a soft spot for those who've been left by the wayside of life.  I often think...There but for the grace of God go I.  This poem was actually published in a book of American Poetry.  I thought I might share it with you.  I feel it is more relevant today than it was when I wrote it so long ago.


LEFT BY THE WAYSIDE
BY:  Renee Ravencraft Bierbaum

How did you get here, homeless man?
What cruel twist of fate,
Dropped you on this forgotten path
Of misery and waste?





What brought you to this, young woman?
What unfortunate roll of the dice,
Left you walking this street corner
Selling body and soul through the nights?





Who did this to you little child?
Your face is black and blue!
I can see there in your haunted eyes
That your heart is broken too.


What kind of people are we?
To allow others to live like this?
One can't even call that living.
They just fight to exist.



So what brought us here Americans...
Here to our indifferent state??
Leaving fellow men by the wayside,
As we continue on our way.

4 comments:

  1. Beautiful!!! And you are right...thre but for the grace of God go I.

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  2. *standing ovation* Bravo! Bravo! More! More! :D

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  3. Thank you, both. I am still rattled and shaking today from looking at photo after photo of abused children, women and homeless souls last night for this blog. My heart is bruised and aching to its core. I don't think I will ever be the same again.

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  4. Absolutely wonderful! You are a cherished friend and most amazing soul....love you so!

    dl xoxo

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