The Vulnerable

He looks so small 
Huddled in the doorway
Curled up tightly
To keep out the cold.
Head tucked down 
In oversize jacket,
Life so young,
Yet worn out and old.
His identity in the
Carrier bag he clutches
The world on his shoulders,
Weighed down with care.
Just one of society’s
Many lost children
Tossed out of her arms
And abandoned to despair.

Yet while he sits
In makeshift haven
To protect his existence
His only goal,
Fate steps in,in the guise 
Of passing stranger
Whose kindly smile
Belies an empty soul....
On a lonely hillside 
Lies a small body,
Abused and broken
But no longer alone,
For in the warm soil
Between trees and bracken
Mother Earth cradles 
One of her own.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2018

Poem

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Krutsinger Avatar
August 8, 2018 at 9:38 AM
Just another missive to prove that we are failing our youth, and we need to build orphanages or safe houses.
Coulstock Avatar
August 19, 2018 at 8:01 AM
I agree with you Caren nobody should be homeless especially the young whom we have a duty of care towards. Bless you June x
Dietrich Avatar
August 7, 2018 at 5:15 PM
such poignancy, Sylvia. a very well written poem . I love that imagery at the end.
Coulstock Avatar
August 19, 2018 at 7:58 AM
Thank you Andrea. The initial part is real.The rest of the scenario is my imagination but as I named it these are indeed vulnerable people and it should not be happening. June.
Rodrigues Avatar
August 6, 2018 at 6:57 PM
Oh this is so sad. Nicely written.
Coulstock Avatar
August 8, 2018 at 10:02 AM
Thank you Kim for your comment and your compassion
Horsman Avatar
August 6, 2018 at 2:55 PM
Such a sad yet wonderful poetry, Love this.
Coulstock Avatar
August 8, 2018 at 9:54 AM
Thank you Harry,bless you.x
Blown Avatar
August 3, 2018 at 10:56 AM
the passing stranger was dressed in black?
Coulstock Avatar
August 3, 2018 at 1:19 PM
They’re are so many young homeless people all vulnerable to depraved strangers,this is why I wrote this.Although not totally true the potential as regards youngsters sleeping on the streets is there for them to be hurt and abused and it saddens me. June x
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