She sits patiently on the cold hard concrete floor.
This spot has been her domain throughout the night.
Suited people with mobile phones are now shuffling past,
Kicking dirt her way, and she inhales it,
Giving a struggled cough. But she's used to it now.
She pulls her mud-stained knees to her chest,
And tucks her head in low, in hopes of keeping warm.
At least for the day. The weather can be so unpredictable.
No-one notices the small bundle tucked up in the shadowy corner of the
Back door to the Selfridges department store. They don't know what it's like.
The morning air takes her by surprise, as she realises she has made the night.
Another day alive. Another day of this life. This cold, grey, miserable life.
If only she were 5years old again. When her days were full of joy and warmth.
A loving family. But the memories are distant now. The're clouded over by the mists
of the hate and the cold. And it's not her fault. She didn't choose this life.
But without any explanation,
She was forced to accept it.
**Many people don't know what it is like to live a life without
family, friends, shelter, food, or even warmth.
Some people see this every day, but they just 'walk on by'.
Tell me, what would you do if you saw this poor little girl
merely a teenager, bundled up on the sidewalk, fighting for her life
against the cold.
Would you just 'walk on by'?
A contest entry
- Make me feel (pre-writes allowed) by Shacadia Shay.
410 points, ended September 10, 2008, 45 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
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a great poem. but i must regretfully ask you to go back & reread the rule & then place my symbol in your notes so i knew youve read them.
thank you for entering my contest & i wish you the best of luck.
--Blessed be--
Shacadia Shay -
Wow, this poem nearly had me in tears. This was truly an amazing write. I loved the flow and rhythm in this piece. My favorite lines were
No-one notices the small bundle tucked up in the shadowy corner of the
Back door to the Selfridges department store. They don't know what it's like
Excellent write. You have become a favorite of mine.
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Well... this had a nice flow and a nice structure... I tried to find a rhyme scheme because it looked like it would have one... but it's free verse, no?
Anyways... I really admire the end of your piece, the question... it makes readers think. And of course I wouldn't let a child lay homeless into the night. ... There is a book... it's been my favorite book since I was very young, called The Little Match Girl. And this piece reminded me of that.
Thanks for this read... you have a very worthy cause.
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give her a warm drink and some money
see people like this and feel sad. how can no one be looking for them wanting to know they are ok. not having your family or love. its depressing... love the poem keep it up x
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