BEFORE I WAKE

Now I lay me down to sleep
In my home that's really sweet
Had three large meals and a snack
There wasn't a hint of any lack
Comfortable shoes and clothes that fit
My heart's desires my money can get
Friends and family know my name
So many opportunities it's just insane
Doctors and dentists, heat and air
A hope and a future.. No despair
Little chance I'll die before I wake
But if I do, my soul God will take.

But the homeless orphan goes to sleep
His unbathed body on a filthy street
Sold himself today to get a meal
From a slimy stranger with a dollar bill
No life, no skills, no future, no hope
No family, no friends, no heat, no coat
No shelter, no job, no doctor, no care
No money, no support, no help anywhere
Despair and neglect, a fight to survive
A shell of a child more dead than alive
And if this orphan dies before he wakes
Will he know my God his soul to take?

~Lyric Man

Note: Just returned from two weeks in Africa. I’ve seen the most amazing and the most tragic sights. This poem/prayer is a contrast of a typical western lifestyle to that of a fatherless orphan. 

PS-I’ve basically been without internet for the past two weeks and have missed reading your poetic works. May you and I never take take for granted all the blessings that we have been afforded!

Copyright © | Year Posted 2018



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12
Date: 10/31/2019 8:55:00 PM
This is such a touching poem. It makes me want to cry just imagining the scene, but this is sadly the everyday life some misfortunate individuals. I'm suddenly feeling grateful.
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Date: 8/29/2018 9:15:00 PM
"The rich get richer and the poor get poorer." Your gratitude shines through.
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Date: 8/25/2018 9:30:00 PM
I didn't cry, but I could. Great telling by pointing out he who has before he who needs. This is an issue that touches my heart personally because my brother was homeless for a very long time. I think it would touch my heart even if I didn't have a brother. Beautifully told. Poetry hugs ... CayCay
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Date: 8/23/2018 8:34:00 PM
Hi there Lyric Man … in a world that's full of luxury, why does this happen; why do humans turn their heads away. I suspect greed plays the devils role on earth - well written - Lindsay
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Date: 8/22/2018 2:49:00 PM
How full of feeling.I like it very much.Ia, glad you write about topics like this Katherine
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Date: 8/22/2018 2:19:00 PM
Very beautiful write, powerful write on =D James
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Date: 8/19/2018 1:07:00 AM
Deeply moving....Well deserved POTD. Best wishes.
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Date: 8/16/2018 8:46:00 PM
Nice rhyming, sir, though a sad story. Thanks for stopping to read my nocturnal rainbow poem. / M
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Date: 8/16/2018 1:37:00 PM
Congratulations on your POTD! Heartbreaking, well-written lyrics.
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Date: 8/16/2018 10:57:00 AM
Great lyric LM, the contrast between have's and have naughts has never been greater than now, soon the injustice will be gone, keep praying for the kingdom to come! Soon it will!
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Date: 8/15/2018 2:53:00 PM
Thank You LM! I've got hands and I've got feet........Time to get to work!
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Date: 8/15/2018 11:47:00 AM
Thank you for sharing this experience which touched you so deeply and which no one could read without being moved. It prompted me to write a response ' Africa's heartache' last week.
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Date: 8/15/2018 9:44:00 AM
This is a wonderful poem. Thank you for reminding us not to take anything for granted
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Date: 8/14/2018 6:44:00 PM
A thoughtful poem about gratitude and the forgotten. Congrats on POTD, Lyric!
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Date: 8/14/2018 9:57:00 AM
Great food for thought, L.M! regardless of where we stand on the homeless and the allegedly homeless. I say that advisedly; I have known homeless folks with a net worth greater than I have. But whoever cares for the truly homeless down and outers wins the grace of God. Of that there is no doubt! ~ gw
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Date: 8/13/2018 11:04:00 PM
Awesome! Love this poem. How complacent we can become. We are rich in this country and all many people do is complain about everything. God help us all. If you get a chance read my poem "I don't need God".
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Date: 8/13/2018 3:31:00 PM
Yes, it only takes traveling abroad just once to notice this tragic scene. I saw police assaulting a young boy and kicking him right in the ear where he then lay bleeding on the street, just for stealing an orange from a store. I think this was near Morocco. So many years ago. I bet things have not changed an iota. we are so fortunate. I sometimes complain about life's difficulties, but really I have no cause to complain about a thing when compared to the poor and homeless. Great poem!
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Date: 8/13/2018 8:09:00 AM
No human soul should take for granted all the blessings we thrive in! Though, sometimes we are absorbed and oblivious to the beauty around us till we are shaken awake to a harsh reality of many a human suffering! May we never cease to count our blessings and show gratitude to God's Grace. A great write Lyric Man! Humane and profound. A great pleasure in reading, a pain in feeling! A FAV. Thank you so much for sharing. Be blessed.
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Date: 8/13/2018 4:07:00 AM
- A beautiful poem, congratulations on your p.o.t.d. - Well deserved, L.M. - hugs // Anne-Lise :)
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Date: 8/12/2018 5:12:00 PM
Admire your compassion. Beautiful words. Congrats on POTD!!
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Date: 8/12/2018 2:41:00 PM
We have so much in America, yet we also have homeless and poor who suffer. This compassionate piece is going into my faves David. Bravo on having it deservedly honored for POTD! Excellent write! : )
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Date: 8/12/2018 2:37:00 PM
So many in need and we sit in luxury as they see it even if it's from payday to payday. Loved your love and compassionate write, Lyric Man. Congratulations on POTD
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Date: 8/12/2018 1:34:00 PM
The point comes across so hard hitting. This is beautifully written lyric man.
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Date: 8/12/2018 12:48:00 PM
Beautifully done... Africa! I envy you...
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Date: 8/12/2018 10:40:00 AM
Amen. Congratulations Lyric Man on a triumphant return...
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12
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