Street people never start out that way --
their look must be acquired . . .
through practice -- and abuse.
Their unappealing habits . . .
begin as the result
of hardships --
and neglect.
Then continue --
out of indigence . . .
and indifference.
Ragged clothes,
and ratty hair --
Proclaim the triumph . . .
of apathy,
and lethargy.
Self-respect --
that most basic of human emotions . . .
is noteworthy in its absence.
More so because it offends our sensibilities --
rending our hearts,
and forcing our hands!
We see all too clearly,
how close we are to them.
So easy to become --
Throw-away people . . .
People whose existence mirrors society,
or more likely society's preference . . .
for selfishness,
and self-absorption.
They are fearsome in their pain,
freed of our most basic needs,
and free of understanding.
They move --
through the paralysis of civilized man --
Neanderthals,
Beasts perhaps,
less human than preferred.
And yet more real in their urban plight,
of plastic bags,
and grocery carts --
than the busy executives who snub them.
Preferring company lunches,
over last night's garbage . . .
or last night's doggie bags.
Where now is truth?
Justice from the God?
For certain it has left these freaks of nature --
Unbalanced --
and ignorant.
Innocent in their insanity . . .
and selfish, too --
like all the rest of us!
