A HOMELESS MAN

I saw a homeless man today
Sat huddled on the ground,
As countless people passed him by
He sat and made no sound.

Bedraggled hair and unkempt beard
A face downcast and grey,
He'd just a dirty blanket
To keep the cold at bay.

No cardboard sign hung round his neck
No cup called out for alms,
No hint of "any change guv?"
No plea from outstretched palms.

I thought to give him something
But feared to hurt his pride,
Perhaps in his position
Pride has long since died.

I feared as well reproving looks
What other folk might think,
"They should not be encouraged.." or
"He'll just buy fags or drink.."

I think of his DISCOURAGED face
Drink or smoke he might,
I cannot change the world for him
Mayhap I'll ease one night.

I'll look for him tomorrow
I'll cover that same ground,
A small gift in an envelope
I'll leave and make no sound.

COPYRIGHT D M PAMMENT 12th JANUARY 2010