From a distance I sit and watch
in solitude, he mumbles low.
He pulls a small bag from his coat.
I look away, for now I know.
Through the trees, over the lawns
my gaze begins to wander.
The breeze gently caresses my cheek
as I begin to ponder.
How can a soul become so lost
as lost as this soul has come to be?
How God could foresake His child
completely escapes me.
As I look to the man,
his body slumped and broken,
my eyes tear, my breath comes short
my soul cries out unspoken.
Looking closer, it comes to me
as I realize.
I see the man, as I am now
but through HIS own eyes.
Within myself, I must dig deep within my soul.
I am as he is now - cold, worn and old.
I rise and walk over to him,
he smells of dirt and ale,
his tattered clothes, worn-through shoes;
skin unclean and pale.
I take the seat beside him,
look to him and smile.
"Hello stranger. May I take a seat, and sit with you a while?"
He looks to me with bloodshot eyes,
a glimmer of hope shines deep.
I know now all will be well,
my future, close to my heart, I must keep.