HER BROTHER'S KEEPER

And they sleep like mummies wrapped in the poverty of life.
Covered with the filth of society, draped in despair,
Like moths in a cocoon with little hope of metamorphosis
In a place they never dreamed they'd be.
Surrounded by all prejudices known to man,
Carrying the burdens of life on their shoulders, in their hearts and minds.
People of the streets, their homeless and unfortunate,
Veterans, criminals, adults and children.
Living on the fringes of society,
Shunned by all, feared by most, loved by few.
Surviving day to day.
Reaching out but not touching, crying out but not heard
By a society turned inwards.