By the Wayside Stricken

Who lies now by the wayside stricken, sick of body, sick of soul? His eyes are closed, his ears are deaf to the somber bells that toll. I knew this man now sadly stricken in happier days when blessed by wealth, famed for both his strength and valor, his soul and body in best health. He saved my kindred, then the stricken by persecutions, death and war. He bound our wounds and brought good fortune. Why lies he now at sorrow's door? Shall we pass by the mighty stricken? Ingratitude, this world's poor loan? Those once helped must now be helpers. No man or woman stands alone.