Not by Choice

I ask myself why!
Why do I sit outside?
    The wind howls.
The snow blows;
small hurricanes created.
On the ground/ in the grey skies.

It is very cold.
I am dressed in layers.
  Unappealing attire.
My glorious elixir: COFFEE!
Yes it warms.
I sit here pondering/
an umbrella over my head.
What of the young and the old?
Sitting all alone-not by choice!
    They haven't a home.

We pass them, the nameless.
Often referred to as bums.
Beggers!
Societies garbage!!
   Many are unsung heroes.
They fought so we can remain free.

But the kids....the kids;
Living on the streets.
   The young escape the abuse.
The abuse at the hands
of their families.

Some of them you pass by,
Sleeping bags over heating grates
       on the sidewalks
to stay warm.

And you ask yourself and wonder....
What's your story?
Have you ever offered them a steaming hot coffee?
A sandwich, any kind of food?
Have you ever talked to them?

NO! Because you-as I,  are lucky.
       We have a home.
We have a proper bed,
pillows on which you rest
your tired head.

You have regular meals.
     Your children are safe!

Some of the homeless- mental instabilities.
Suffer from things like
       PTSD.

They are lost souls.
These young and old.
    They do need our help.
Denied a shelter,
Drugs and alcohol give them
            an escape to
forget.... YET!

If you acknowledge these HUMAN BEINGS.
A smile goes a long way.
     Hello, you can say.

My heart breaks everyday.
I wish I could do more.
I could only offer my
    kindness.
Some food, a drink.
The government failed them.
    Let's not do the same.
I and you!