Fourteenth

Did you see the mud-stained, fly infested man
babbling quietly by the wall?
Did you see the hardened, youthful menace
glaring at the world with hate filled eyes?
Did you see the strung out, poisoned addict
shaking, pleading for a chemical assist?
Did you see the rail-thin young man
pleading for a cure, through tear stained eyes?
Did you see the painted, street-corner mannequin
asking everyone about a "good time?"
Did you see the little boy with bloated belly
watching the world with empty eyes?
Did you see the pillar of your community
staring at the forbidden, late into the night?
Did you see...
And just stroll be with irritated eyes?
-Carl Wunsch