You Died Alone

You died alone.
No one wept and no one cared.
You died alone, quietly
In the cold night.

You didn't make the headlines
Like terrorist or disaster victims.
You didn't die for your country,
Except maybe as a victim
Of forgetfulness and neglect.
The world did not stop
To acknowledge your parting.

No one made historic speeches
At your funeral.
No one started a war
In your name.
No one left flowers
On the pavement.
No one wept
At your grave.

There is no book of remembrance
For a forgotten death,
No obituary,
No tribute,
No legacy of hope.

You died alone,
Poor and frozen,
For want of food and shelter.
You died alone
And no one cared.