My name is

i wrote this after i watched a story on homeless people.

My name is Derrick,
That's right I have a name,
I'm not some feral
That you may think is deranged

I was once like you
Styled back hair
Wearing a nice suit,
With plenty of loot

Walking along
Ignoring the 'scum' I'd pass on by
These 'bums' probably cried at night as they laid in an alley somewhere
Wishing for someone to love and accept them
But did I notice or care?

No! I just looked and stared
And kept walking

Then I made some wrong financial choices
Losing my car, my house, then my wife

All of a sudden!

I found myself laying with the ''scum'' I so callously called
Wondering where I went wrong in my life

I sit on a bench all alone
Hoping someone will take the time to talk to me
But they are just the same as I was
Too busy with their own schedules
To even notice I exist
Wow... What a twist!

I now line up in the homeless shelter waiting to be fed
I had so much, yet couldn't see
Now I'm excited for a bit of soup and bread

I watch the cooks voluntarily, serve each of us food
They're genuine, loving smiles bring hope and cheer to my heart
Knowing that the rest of our day will be spent on the streets
They still try to give each of us a good start

As I start to mingle with my own 'type' now
The 'lessor' sector of society
I learn, they're no different from you or me
They're just the same
They too, have feelings, good qualities and want to fit in
And just like you...

They have a name

Written age 28 7/03/09