Abandoned

I sat on the floor of the pavement,
Sun shining on my face.
It had been ages since I saw the sun.
It always evoked a feeling of pure pleasure,
Though the one I always remember
It was the rising of the sun from behind purple hills.

There was so much beauty in the world. 
But not for me.  Everybody forsook me.
People came, and people went.  Neglected by all.
It was never a good morning for me.
Someone gave me a paper plate with something on it.
I knew there was nothing but mud on it.
I put it on the ground and heard the laughter
Of some youths who had dared.
I said nothing but felt the rumbling in my stomach.
I had not eaten the day before, and I felt weak.	

Then another plate came—a piping hot dog.
At last, someone remembered.  I ate it slowly.
It was all covered with chilli that was too hot to taste.
I was hungry and ate it slowly, trying unsuccessfully
Remove the chilli and hope for some water.
But no one offered.  

Nothing else happened that day till I felt the sunset.
Some policemen roughly told me to go home to my wife. 
But did I have a home?   Did I have a wife?
Both had long disappeared when I lost my sight.
I hobbled to a lonely low bridge, tapping my white stick
And rested there forsaken by all until the next morn.

Note:  This did happen, but not to me.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2025

Poem

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Tor Avatar
January 31, 2025 at 10:04 PM
This world is full of heartache Victor this is an example of such. We must help others in need or at least make some kind of contribution for the betterment of humanity and poor souls like this gentleman you wrote about..
DiMino Avatar
January 30, 2025 at 2:26 PM
Well, I thank God for my heath. But, having run a non profit agency for many years (took no salary by the way)...intimately I have dealt with these situations~ what you write about is very relatable to my heart of real experience. Excellent write, Victor.
Rolland Avatar
January 30, 2025 at 2:19 AM
this sounds like a nightmare, i loved the scenery of the plates and the progress of the poem, nicely done poet
Singh Avatar
January 30, 2025 at 12:42 AM
I pray let the lives be not like .Let kindness and humanity be in the society.
Empress Avatar
January 29, 2025 at 12:09 AM
Dear victor, what a moving and descriptive write this is, so well articulated and delivered, i felt the emotions of one that has been forsaken by not just the society but those that they placed their trust in, when all went dark and cold for this person! Youv done it as always in a way that the readers can truly feel , iv seen the same in so many places around the world and i can resonate with this! A fave it is! Pleasure reading you today. Sending you light always
Williams Avatar
January 28, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Dearest Victor, your poem powerfully captures the loneliness and hardship of being forsaken by society. The imagery is vivid, especially in the contrast between the beauty of the sun and the narrator's suffering. The moment with the paper plate is particularly striking—it highlights the cruelty of some and the small, fleeting kindness of others. The ending is heartbreaking, reinforcing the theme of abandonment. I sentyou a soup mail. All the best. Hugs
Dietrich Avatar
January 28, 2025 at 12:32 PM
So sad and to think of all the people, like disabled veterans, who find themselves in this situation after all they did for their country. It's so horrible. Well written.
Cunningham Avatar
January 28, 2025 at 12:11 PM
We have to count our blessings sometimes, there's always someone worse off than us. Quite a sad verse Victor, there's so much wealth and greed in the world why can't that wealth be distributed to the less fortunate. Tom
Rodrigues Avatar
January 28, 2025 at 9:48 AM
A sad story. A soul lost, blind, hungry and abandoned! Hugs, dear one.
Messina Avatar
January 28, 2025 at 1:48 AM
Wow! this is quite a story...so very sad. It reminds me of when I worked in NYC and passed by so many homeless people. I would occasionally hand out a hot dog or a slice of pizza to the needy.
Roper Avatar
January 27, 2025 at 11:33 AM
A sad story. I enjoyed reading
Edmonds  Avatar
January 27, 2025 at 9:53 AM
What a dreadful thing to happen, Victor, that poor man just needed kindness, attention and something to eat from a helping hand…. Beryl
Daniel Avatar
January 27, 2025 at 3:29 AM
A lovely, touching tale of homelessness, Victor:)
Andresen Avatar
January 27, 2025 at 2:39 AM
- A gripping tale of homelessness and loneliness, Victor - Neglected by all - ... A growing crisis in many countries ... for different reasons - hugs
Buehler Avatar
January 26, 2025 at 5:38 PM
So sad to read of such alienation and neglect, when a helping hand would have so welcome. A gripping story. Thank you for sharing.
De Beaulieu Avatar
January 26, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Hello Victor, this is very sad. heart breaking sad. i am glad it was not you. Enjoy your evening my friend. /Darlene/
Poet Avatar
January 26, 2025 at 1:00 PM
This magnificent poem, Victor, delves into loneliness, neglect, and the transient joy of life. It reflects the stark contrast between the breathtaking scenery and your crushing isolation and hopelessness. At least we share the same thing; I'm sorry this makes you feel this way.
Kendrick Avatar
January 26, 2025 at 12:18 PM
Sad situation for anyone. We can't say it wouldn't happen to us, but I would hope it did not. Thanks for sharing you captivation story with us. Sara K
Hind Avatar
January 26, 2025 at 10:40 AM
Wow - this is tragic. Hoping that person well -
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