Looking no older than thirteen
Sitting on the street corner
On cold wet concrete
Cup in hand for coins
Lit cigarette in the other
Eyes vacant and parched from old tears
Skin weathered way before its time
What or who went wrong
Was no one there to protect you
What of your childhood curiosity and joy
When was the last time you were free to
Laugh wholeheartedly or dance exuberantly
What injustice or bully stole your youth
Abused and violated your innocence
All too many futile useless questions
Hats off to the earthly angels who roam the streets
Seeking out youths who are ready to
Accept help to turn their lives around
and find purpose given a second chance