Do You See Them?

Do you see them? I bet not. The scarred man on the streets. The trembling child with her mother. The crying fellow in the coffee shop. You say you see them… But you don’t, not really. That scarred man, he is homeless. You may think that he deserves it, After all, shouldn’t he have had A chance to pick himself up Off the streets? You think he’s just a drunk He’s gotten what he deserves. But you don’t see him. He fought for your safety Overseas in strange lands. But when he returned People like you cast him out Onto the streets, without anything. Not even a thank you. That girl, she trembles. The thin coat on her Is barely enough to stop The stinging wind It is so cold and merciless. You think she’s just cold. She should just get another coat. But you don’t see her. She doesn’t shiver from The cold, but from the fear. The fear of her mother, The very same who grabs her hand. Her abusive mother grips her tightly, And no one even tries to help. The tearful fellow, yes he cries. Sitting in the corner, He is oblivious to those Who stare at him. Can’t he just go home? You think he’s being a nuisance; He has no sense of decency. But you don’t see him. He just lost his love to A long fought battle with cancer. Their home constantly reminds Him of her, and her absence. He seeks refuge away from there. No one ever stops to comfort him. You say you see them… But you don’t, not really. The scarred man on the streets. The trembling child with her mother. The crying fellow in the coffee shop. Do you see them? I bet not.