The Urchin and the Opulent

Pensively we plead, begging for a bowl.

Our lives are spent in strife and cold with nothing but our soul.

 

How eagerly you pass us by, and scoff at our quivering cans.

A coin is all we ask of you, but assumptions are all that you have.

 

You run along to your cozy homes, and never ask us why.

Day by day we beg you stay and offer a helping hand.

 

Yet steadfast you judge the street trash you see, the urchin on your right side.

The lives we had are days gone by, so tell us…

How is that you can stroll on by, never reflecting on humanity.

As it gazes you in the eyes?

 

One day in our shoes is a simple clue,

To the sorrow that we befell.

 

Instead of inquiring as to why we reside on this unkind, lonely slab,

You simply turn up your nose, and assume that you know our anguish and dreadful tales.

 

Perhaps one day you will sit down and stay, and listen to our woes.

But for today just walk by and say, “Please go away you frail and wretched soul”,

As your judgmental eyes beautifully fade into the distance that we all know.

 

Author's Note

I'm not really sure how I feel about this poem, so any feedback is very much appreciated. Thanks.

Reviews

[CAS]

Really nice. The bit of alliteration at the beginning plus the rhymes work very well. And I loved the ending... "As your judgmental eyes beautifully fade into the distance that we all know." For me it means that we all go through struggle and are all a part of the same world. It makes your message very strong. Good job

[BrokenWingedPhoenix]

Thank you very much. :) My goal was to write about poverty and allow others to take whatever they see from the poem. Thank you for reading it. :)

[Coyote Poetry]

I enjoyed the poem. Create places and situations for the reader. Left the reader with something to think about.
"Perhaps one day you will sit down and stay, and listen to our woes.
But for today just walk by and say, “Please go away you frail and wretched soul”,
As your judgmental eyes beautifully fade into the distance that we all know."
I have told people often. Never judge another. You don't know their journey. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Zugzwang]

I liked it! A compassionate bit of empathy for the less fortunate amongst us.