Always

Sitting in the heart of San Francisco,

I held a little girl on my lap

And watched as strangers walked right by.

I smiled with tears in my eyes

As some dropped a few coins in the tattered cup I had in front of me.

The summer was coming to its end

And I only dreamed of getting this little girl to school.

I stared at the cup

And I guessed that it barely contained enough

for a small cheeseburger and a water.

My heartstrings were being pulled

For the little girl sitting on my lap.

I wanted her to have a better life. 

As the air cooled, 

The sky darkened and

The little girl began to fall asleep.

I held her close to my chest as I walked through the empty streets.

I stopped in front of a building made out of brick,

And let out a shallow breath.

I kissed her forehead, 

And set her softly on the ground. 

I pulled off my jacket and covered her with it.

"Momma loves you," I whispered

I rang the doorbell.

I stepped away and crossed the street.

I watched as a fireman brought you inside.

I watched as you woke up and cried for me.

I watched as the man looked around for your parent.

I watched as the man saw me.

"I'll always love you," I whispered as I turned to walk away.

"Always," I let out, as I heard the man cry out to me.