Homeless

As I lay here shivering,
on the cold hard ground.
I see innocent children,
quietly gather around.

One lays her prized dolly,
down close to my chest.
Appreciating its warmth,
I then notice the rest.

One lays his new jacket,
down over my waist.
I smile at him gently,
to help lessen his haste.

Another comes over,
couldn't be more than five.
She gives me her candy,
wants to help me survive.

Then comes the parents,
and I feel such relief,
until one of them yells,
"get away from that thief!

She's dirty and strange,
we don't like her kind,
she lives on the street,
probably out of her mind."

I watch the sweet children,
slowly turning away.
Their parents had spoken,
and they must obey.

If they could just see me,
with my face nice and clean,
my hair washed and combed,
with a new shirt and jeans,

they might change their minds,
and see that I need a home,
and maybe they'd help me,
cause I'm scared all alone.

All their eyes see is dirt,
that I can't wash away.
Todays my tenth birthday,
and I wanted to play.