Joyously Homeless

Oct 01, 2008 - 09:53 AM PST

Disgraced and forlorn I hide my face
Unsightly, unshaven, and scarred
A stammer is all I can squeak at this point
“Some pennies or nickels kind sir?”

A man he walks by,
I can hear some coins jingle.
Of course he looks left to avoid me
His shifty blue eyes feel guilty
His heart knows what to do
Yet greed, yes greed! Makes him keep going
I whisper something irrelevant
And he probably heard me
But did he turn back?
Not a chance…

Disgraced and forlorn I cover my shame
Uncomely, unworthy, and scared
A prayer is all I can think at this point,
“Please God, provide food for tonight.”

A young woman steps near
I knew she would ask
The question was deep in her eyes
“Can you sing or dance?” she wanted to know
I paused for a spell
“Neither sing nor dance,
I’m just hungry and cold.”
Amusement!?
She thought she could buy it from me?
Not tonight…

Disgraced and forlorn I lower my head
Unhuman, untrusting, and marred
A look is all I can give at this point
“I’m desperate, the pain I can’t bear.”

A boy is riding near
On his Christmas gift bike
Painted a bright sunshine yellow
“I’ve been watching you here.”
He said with a smile
As a bag was placed by my feet
I looked up again and the boy was gone
But the gifts in the bag were still there
I saw money and food through a tear in my eye
Praise God for the heart of a child!

Jubilant and cheerful I lift up my head
Unburdened, unbeat, and content
My smile is more than enough at this point
“Delight overflows from my soul!”