Waiting at the corner to observe the passers by
Fire burning deeply in his vein,
Wants to kick the habit and has given it a try
But had to quit because of chill and pain.
Fever reaches breaking point, he has to have a fix,
Wish he hadn’t tried it back at school,
Robbed his Mom and Dad until they tired of this tricks
Everyone has branded him a fool.
Now he’s on the streets you see him begging for his meals
Stealing where he can to get some cash,
Wishes that the passing folk could know just how he feels,
He fears that he’ll now do something rash
He sees and old man limping on a lonely pavement near,
His strong desire and shame in equal mix,
Memories of his Grandpa makes this wretched shed a tear
But his body screams out loudly for a fix.
He grabs the old man roughly and demands to have his cash,
The old man looks at him with great surprise,
And then a passing stranger overtakes them with a dash
There is righteous indignation in his eyes.
The stranger pins him firmly as he turns to the old man
To check if he has suffered any harm,
While young lad twists in agony, he’d run off if he can
But the stranger has him firmly by the arm.
The old man thanks the stranger, then he takes the youngster’s arm,
“I think that you’ve misunderstood this lad.
He just dropped by to greet me and he didn’t mean no harm,
And knowing that he found me makes me glad!”
The stranger then apologized and went upon his way,
The young man’s mouth dropped open in surprise
For no one showed him kindness and they always sent away,
They tiring of his brashness and his lies.
The old man puts his arm around the quietly sobbing boy
He offers him some money with a grin,
The boy’s face lights in hopefulness, reflecting inner joy
Returns the cash in hand now soiled and thin
He tells the man he’s sorry as he searches wrinkled face,
What makes this man so different from the rest?
He thanks him for his kind response, his heaven inspired grace,
He’s now resolved to pass the future test.
He turns his steps to check in to the nearby rehab place,
With strong determination to succeed
When strong enough he’d like to see the old man’s saintly face
His thoughtfulness had filled this addict’s need.
“© Ian Grice 2008”
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
-
Wonderfully Refreshing!!!
It's so nice to read a real human interest story with such an ending as this one. Great job!!! Also, I read from others (below) it's your birthday(?!?) Well, I hope you have/had a good one, and thanks again for sharing your heart-warming poem!!! Take care. Peace Always, Cyn 
-
-
Thank you Cyn
I don't celebrate birthdays since they called out the Fire Brigade when they lit all my last birthday candles. At this age I'm a fire hazard. lol. Thanks for visiting. I love your work. -
-
You're funny! I'll have to remember that one!! And I do hope you enjoyed your special day, nevertheless!!!
-
-
-
Well now, I think you should be applauded first for telling such a great story, and two for making such a downtrodden story find hope in the ashes, awesome Ian. I missed your birthday message until just least night. The same day, huh? whoever woulda thunk it?
Happy birthday to you too.
Much love,
jin
-
I see a Parable here.I wonder who that old man was?????? Excellent work with a very encouraging message, Ros
-
WOW ian this poem is great
the old man was brave to say he dropped by to greet me
others would have said different and had him by the collar
a lovely ending xxx
-
Oh yes!!! I love this!!! What love and compassion can accomplish is amazing. This is wonderful Ian! Lovely, lovely, lovely message! I enjoyed this thoroughly! Pam
P.S. If I could I would give you a million clappy guys for this. Or maybe all the stars in heaven!
Adding your comment:
1 - 7 of 7
