There was a person who stood

outside the main store

could not see his face

though he stood and stared.

It was closed for the holiday

had been all day

yet he stood there and stared

would not move away.

As I travelled past

warm in my cruiser

I was concerned that he looked so cold

but he knew best

so I went on my way.

On my return

he was still there

so stopped and asked him

why do stand there and stare.

He replied to me

in a warm friendly voice

that he had no work

and nowhere to stay,

that the store

had food

was warm inside,

that he could imagine

what it would be like.

He then handed me

a piece of paper

on which was written

some words,

'Thank you for taking the time to ask,

why I stand and stare.

I am the sadness of millions of lives,

I am their eyes

thats why I stand and stare.

They have no food

and nowhere to stay

tomorrow they may be gone.

Consider your excess

how long it has stayed

unwanted in a corner,

think of it as food for some

and shelter.

After I had read the words

I looked up 

and he was gone,

even the paper had disappeared,

but the words have

travelled on.