The Wonderer

I walk by and the shutters close. I look into their eyes and they turn away. No-one wants to help me. Their doors slam in my face, So I carry on walking through the dark, cold night. I’ve prayed to God so many times, But he never hears my calls. All I ask for is food and water, Shelter to cover my body from the harsh winter rain. I have no job because I have no home, But who can buy with no money? My family have deserted me, Left me explore the unknown and wonder. I used to be so respectable, A wealthy gentleman of high esteem, A kind, warm-hearted soul. Now, I’m dirty and unshaven, A ragged, unsightly wonderer. No hopes, no future, no dignity. I sit on the street corner, Waiting for generosity, The chance that never comes, Yearning for the meal I’ll never get to eat. Oh, where are the people I helped? Where are the ones I cared for? Sometimes, even they walk by, A look of disgust on their faces; Past memories swimming in their eyes, As if dreams unexplored; Then their eyes touch the floor- They can no more bear to look at me. I need ask no questions, For to me, that is their reply. I lie in the gutter And watch the World pass me by; I wonder from town to town Looking for someone who’ll spare me the time of day, But they turn away, And pray that they’ll never endure my fate.