Shadow Hamilton Poet Free verse

Waif of Life

The child aged only ten
dressed in tatters for clothes
roams the city streets
begging for a crust or two

His bed is wherever he can find
a place to lay his weary head
newspapers are his blankets
a doorway becomes his home

People hurry by uncaring
not touched by this little waif
never pausing to think
of what has brought him so low

Orphaned when he was only eight
none to take him into their homes
he had to learn street creed fast
soon understood he was on his own

Raped by the age of only nine
he has learnt not to trust
expecting nothing from life
apart from abuse and blows

Just one more forgotten waif
yet in his heart a spark remains
as he remembers times gone by
will he make it through to eleven?

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Bl Devnath March 1, 2014 at 10:47 AM Certainly not to eleven and no one will deserve indeed. A sad real story for many in this world. Sometimes, I feel why I am a man? It would have been better for me if I had be a bird. My one of the favorite poem it's. Loved always, my lovely friend, bl

Andrea Dietrich February 23, 2014 at 6:32 PM This is a sad condition in our world today. Your poem touches on it with sensitivity and compassion. Shadow Hamilton February 23, 2014 at 7:38 PM ty Andrea hugs

Richard Lamoureux February 23, 2014 at 6:01 PM I've posted a couple since you last visited, check them out when you have a chance.

Cherl Dunn February 23, 2014 at 4:53 PM WOW bravo lady, totally love this truth in reality lesson I hope people read your wonderous words and begin to open their eyes to reality, and it takes so little to make a difference in a cold world, just one touch of warm can light up a new world. cheri Shadow Hamilton February 23, 2014 at 7:39 PM yes so right Cheri ty hugs

David Williams February 23, 2014 at 12:58 PM Shadow I like this even though we tend build walls to protect ourselves...David Shadow Hamilton February 23, 2014 at 7:39 PM ty David hugs

Ralph Sergi February 23, 2014 at 12:34 PM Hi Shadow: A very heartfelt and poignant poem. I do recall these experiences with children in another country. Thank God, It no longer exists there now Good Write! Shadow Hamilton February 23, 2014 at 7:43 PM yes Ralph awful as it is it does happen in places not 3rd world sadly children often feel safer on the streets than foster homes hugs

Nette Onclaud February 23, 2014 at 8:39 AM gut- wrenching and beautifully handled.. a reflecive piece that makes me contemplate, shadow.. enriched!.. huggs Shadow Hamilton February 23, 2014 at 7:40 PM ty Nette you are a sensitive soul hugs

Richard Lamoureux February 23, 2014 at 8:39 AM This is so sad but in countries like India not so uncommon. As poverty increases around the World this problem will be even more prevalent. Shadow Hamilton February 23, 2014 at 4:24 PM yes sadly ty Rick hugs

Russell Sivey February 23, 2014 at 6:42 AM This is such a sad sad write my friend! It is terrible to think that there are kids like this is this situation, how awful! I surely loved reading this awesome poem this morning! What a sad but a glorious piece, Great Work!! Shadow Hamilton February 23, 2014 at 8:05 AM far too many sadly Russell and we call ourselves humane ty hugs