Common Man

Common Man^©

Edgar Fallon Roe

The traveler reeked of weariness,

His companion was Fatigue

Wear upon his clothes suggest

He had come a million league.

Gaunt were eyes, deep set, and brown,

Above his cheekbones high,

His being was pure somnolence,

And I heard his silent cry.

Hard roads had been his travel,

With pains chiseled on his face,

In lines of furrows on his brow,

Permanently enlaced.

Around I saw no motion there, then,

His head began to rise.

Finally he looked at me,

Suffering in his eyes.

So, quietly I attended,

And with a heavy heart,

I wanted to interact with him,

But knew not how to start.

Within his labored breathing,

He then began to speak,

His words, when finally spoken,

Were truthful and unique.

His lips began to form the words,

Then said, "My name is: Common Man,

I`m a father, I`ve worked hard,

… always done the best I can.

"The roads become uphill and steep,

With burdens I can`t propel,

I`ve tried to move on and forward,

But, was struck here, and I fell.

"There are others on me

Who so do depend,

I must keep moving forward,

This must not be my end.

"So, now I reach out to you,

With partners I’ve never failed.

I`m turning here to you,

`fore on hardships I`m impaled".

A calloused hand then extended,

Toward my outstretched hand,

And I want to heed the call,

For this Common Man.

But, Greed and Avarice have won,

And, assistance can`t be lent,

Wall Street, you see, owns me now,

I`m Your Government.