How Empty Are Your Words?

She stood on the train before me
and shivered and shook,
her skin pale and sallow
eyes empty and shallow
with a wild, trapped look

I wanted to reach out to her
and in some way try to console,
because as I looked into her eyes
I could not fail to recognize
a lost part of the whole

Have you seen my sister?
She ran away one day.
I am frantic to find her.
Has she passed your way?

There's also my brother,
I am so frightened; he's all by himself
should he ask you for something
can you please offer some help?

Those lost in an inner battle
or chased off by demons
controlled by an addiction
I'm sure you must see them

Though no kin to you
are someone's sister and brother
and just like you, too
grew in the womb of a mother

If your own child was in need
the person he finds
would you not want him
to be loving and kind?

What does it all really mean,
"I wish the best for you"
if those words are not supported
by what you choose to do

Can we know how hurtful we are
when we turn our backs on each other
our lips speak of love for God
but we do not love one another

Search your hearts, my dear readers
during this holiday season
gifts wrapped up in foil
will not give your life meaning

reach out to one another
in word and in deed
demonstrate through our actions
that you say what you mean

To those who are in need
nurture a part of their soul
with your choices, reclaim
a lost part of the whole