Klio Tsitsikroni | + Follow Poet |
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Melanie

Disheveled and dirty she sat 
A guy walking by just spat 
It caught her off guard as she wiped it away 
Wanted to move but decided to stay

She looked forlorn and beat 
Begging for a bite to eat 
I approached and offered her a tenner
Her mind I wanted to enter

I asked for her name as I gave her ***
Bent over and lit it she was clutching her bag.
"Melanie," she said as I lit her smoke 
She was well educated I knew when she spoke.

The pavements were bursting with tourists 
Doctors, bankers, and jurists 
Buskers Acrobats, jugglers, and clowns 
Filled the West End with sounds

Saturday night as busy as ever 
The pickpockets thought they were clever 
Approaching the people with stealth 
Lining their pockets with stolen wealth.

I drowned it all out 
Wondered what she was all about 
I asked if she wanted some food
I saw she relaxed, that was good.

My wife bought her burger and fries
I saw the gratitude in her eyes. 
I wanted to help this woman on the streets 
She had more potential than one normally meets.

She once was a doctor you know 
She lost her husband and her daughter 
Life dealt her a mighty blow 
She said between bites and some water

I asked where she would spend the night
On the pavement she said, it's alright. 
I was glad it was summer. 
I thought as I dialed the number

My friend who runs a shelter answered the phone 
This was now up to me I would not leave her alone.
Melanie has now fully recovered 
A brilliant surgeon we discovered.

The shelter still runs with a steady flow
Destitute People come and go
Melanie contributes to the cause 
Fund raisers thunder applause.

You never know who is down and out 
Help, No one should go without.

Copyright © Klio Tsitsikroni | Year Posted 2017

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J Hamilton Gist Date: 10/9/2017 8:32:00 PM Eloquent indeed. Login to Reply

Gayle Rodd Date: 9/22/2017 6:47:00 AM This was such an inspirational write with a fantastic outcome, and all because someone decided to help. Login to Reply Klio Tsitsikroni Date: 9/23/2017 6:54:00 AM Thank you, Gayle. Most people these days have no time for mankind. A sad state of affairs. I do not believe anyone deserves to live on the streets, let alone women.

Teddy Kimathi Date: 9/8/2017 6:50:00 AM Powerful, rhythmic, meaningful piece Klio! Keep the fire of your muses burning! :-) Login to Reply Klio Tsitsikroni Date: 9/12/2017 2:15:00 AM Thank you Teddy

Dave Timperley Date: 9/5/2017 9:21:00 AM This is a lovely message which I have always tried to stand by. Sometimes with painful results but I still try to help. God Bless. D. Login to Reply Ralph Sergi Date: 9/5/2017 7:48:00 PM Great poem, Kilo: I also have this instinct to help people that really need it. Klio Tsitsikroni Date: 9/5/2017 11:58:00 AM Thank you Dave. Keep helping.

Heidi Sands Date: 8/25/2017 6:29:00 AM Klio, this is one of the best poem stories I have read here and it really reached me!! Such an important message you have left us!! Excellent!! :) Login to Reply Klio Tsitsikroni Date: 8/25/2017 6:52:00 AM Thank you Heidi. Yes indeed we should all do more.

Jan Allison Date: 8/25/2017 5:34:00 AM Such a powerful poem, your words brought tears to my eyes Kilo I have written a poem called 'the lowest of the low' on the same subject. It is all to easy to judge people who don't live on the streets out of choice. :-) hugs jan xx Login to Reply Klio Tsitsikroni Date: 8/25/2017 6:53:00 AM Thank you, Jan. I read your awesome poem. Well done.