Smile

A man with nothing, no home, no job, sits on the street sobbing 

Passers by don't give him a thought, but, I stopped and smiled at the man who'd lost so much.

A lady of the night, her body all she has for worth, at least in her mind she's no better than dirt, she's broken and crying both inside and out

Each who walk past her add to her shame, each looking down with disgust 

But I merely stopped and smiled at her too, the woman who was outcast trying to survive life too

Another left crying by circumstances which can't be controlled; a boy and a girl both torn from their homes

They felt abandoned, forgotten, moving from stranger to stranger,  no real sense of belonging, no love for their hurting

People pass them too, with somber, pitying glances, still none of them comfort for they're tear filled circumstances

They too I smiled upon as I stop mid step, taking time from my own life to listen to their tale

Each I said, "You're perfect just the way you are, you're circumstance will change. With season and time. Each day the sun shines on new chances. Take each with your best effort and remember the small advances." 

Sometimes I wish I could take that advice I had given. They've all found their peace; each bettered their situation.

My mind is my circumstance; self hate and self doubt. I still wait for a passer by to offer a smile, just a smile; instead of indifference with each pass. 

Only a smile, is that so much to ask?