Lost Children of the Street
Looking no older than thirteen,
sitting on the street corner
on cold wet concrete,
cup in hand for coins,
lit cigarette in the other,
eyes vacant and parched from old tears,
skin weathered way before its time...
What or who went wrong?
Was no one there to protect you
What of your childhood curiosity and joy?
When was the last time you were free to
laugh wholeheartedly or dance exuberantly?
What injustice or bully stole your youth,
abused and violated your innocence?
All too many futile useless questions ~
Hats off to the earthly angels,
to those who roam the streets
seeking out youths who are ready to
accept help to turn their lives around
and find purpose given a second chance ~
AP: 1st place 2022, 3rd place 2020, Honorable Mention 2026
Submitted on March 24, 2018 for contest SOCIAL JUSTICE FREE VERSE sponsored by JOHN HAMILTON - RANKED 3RD
Post Comments
Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.
Please
Login
to post a comment
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a
Premium Membership.
