I passed a scruffy chap <br />begging for some cash <br />but I said cold heartedly <br />sorry mate I have to dash. <br />But that wasn't the truth <br />as I wasn't going anywhere <br />I just thought he was a scrounger <br />so to his plight I didn't give a care. <br />But the next day he was there again <br />and again the day after that <br />but he looked pale and really ill <br />so I put a pound into his hat. <br />He said thanks dear friend <br />and wished me a nice day <br />he sounded really sincere <br />and I didn't know what to say. <br />I found out he was really homeless <br />and he wasn't a scrounger after all <br />he needed money to feed himself <br />which made me feel bad and rather small. <br />So I try hard not to judge these days <br />instead before being judgemental I think <br />that this person may be really genuine <br />and not begging for money for drugs or drink. <br />People are losing jobs and their homes <br />and are ending up on the streets sleeping rough <br />they once were living the high life <br />but sadly times now are really tough. <br />So the next time you see someone begging <br />just think before you walk on by <br />that this person has hit rock bottom <br />and who knows one day it could be you or I.<br /><br />Kevin Halls<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/the-homeless-9/
