A Friend in Need

By D. R. DiFrancesco

~~

Squatting down in ragged jeans,

Trembling hands counting out small change,

Pennies, nickels and dimes his life’s savings,

Mumbling to himself,

Wondering if he had enough for a drink.

Scorching sun on the molten sidewalk,

His weathered face toughened to leather,

Aged far beyond his years,

What is his story,

People pass by ignoring his existence.

Cold water,

Sweat dripping from my fingertips,

Waiting to pay for my pleasure,

Mind drifting back to the poor man on the sidewalk,

What fate lies ahead for him.

He asked for nothing,

He should not have to ask for anything,

Should we not care without request,

Tears welled up in my eyes,

This could be me.

Food and drink,

Such a small price for a brother in need,

This could never be enough, still it was all I could do,

“Here you go friend”, as the pittance was offered,

“Thank you kindly”, his humble reply.

Comments

4 responses to “A Friend in Need”

  1. onebravesurvivorhealing Avatar

    When I lived in Ottawa I bought a homeless man a sandwich and a coffee one evening. You write well here about a very real problem that needs a compassionate response.

    1. blackandwrite Avatar

      Thank you. I guess I beiieve that the little things matter. I don’t pretend that there is anything noble about giving food and water to some in need. I think that instead it is something one human being should do for another just because it is right. Thanks again and I appreciate you taking the time to read my poem.

  2. nightlake Avatar

    a meaningful poem applicable to the present times…penned down well…

    1. blackandwrite Avatar

      Thank you so much. Even though I don’t post them all I love to write about the social issues of our time.

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