His face unwashed, unshaven too,
His ragged coat around his knees.
What were the passers-by to do?
To calm their feelings of unease?
The fountains danced, the water shimmered
A cold wind blew across the path
In his tin a few coins glimmered
But not enough to fund a bath.
His stomach aches with hunger pangs
The food has been in short supply
On slender threads his life now hangs
No one hears his muffled cry.
I’m just a beggar, nothing more.
The world cares nothing for my kind.
I’ve fallen far to hit the floor,
Now society would like me fined.
Please save me from the freezing rain.
I cannot bear my aching joints,
The stiffness and recurring pain,
Where Is the charity love annoints?
Commuters rush to catch their train,
Their minds are closed as past they go,
While I float on, towards the drain
Like effluent in a ceaseless flow.
It’s not for pity I cry out
It’s not for silver coins I plead,
I cannot call, I cannot shout.
It’s care and kindness that I need.
