Street People

Street People

Looking out at the world

through hungry eyes—

Some folks say that life on the street

is a life that street people choose

and that each one of us is responsible

for whether we win or lose.

But if you be still and listen,

you can hear their voices

rising up from the violent streets,

from inside dumpsters,

and cardboard boxes,

and from beneath bridges

that stand beneath the freeways

where cars pass over

without noticing.

These are the voices of despair and hopelessness.

Some folks say that all we do

is but a drip in the ocean,

but enough drips in time

can become a stream

to which all can come and drink

We come bearing gifts

of clothes, food, and supplies —

but more important still

is the message of presence,

for it says, “You are worth my time;

you matter!”

Are we not in this world

to help one another

and to finally see each person

as sister or brother?

“Street People,” Copyright© 2023 by John D. Call