Bench Sitters

we see them everywhere in the cities
sitting on benches
sprawled in alleyways
their broken, destroyed lives
desires and dreams washed away
what is left of their spirit
has been
hollowed out until nothing is there
thought process assaulted and corrupted
taken to levels of profound despair
that no one should ever have to sink into
their one remaining sentiment
bitterness
the social order has trod upon
and destroyed their sense of humanity
so they sit and lie
upon benches and alleyways
in despair
without hope
forever damaged

stop!
why don’t’ya

stop and spend some face time with him
bring his story out
listen to him
say Merry Christmas like you mean it
to him
crease his hand
with more money than
you expected to spend on him
eh . . . who knows
maybe you will have said something
to give him a new look at his life
maybe he won’t spend your money
on rotgut whiskey
maybe your visit gave him courage
to try and turn things around
you never know
it could

©December 19, 2016 / Jerry Pat Bolton