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.

http://youtu.be/Y2EcEckJOSw

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.