Poetry

---

THE MAN WHO SAT ALONE

Shoulders slumped
he sat alone
in borrowed coat
on seat of stone

His eyes were old
his stubble grey
people looked
then looked away

Tattered life
in plastic bags
his home was here
his clothing rags

I passed him by
in business suit
spent my day
in wealth pursuit

Then rushing home
I passed that way
saw him there
same place all day

He greeted me
in cheery tone
wished me well
(I checked my phone)

I almost missed
his muttered word
'God bless you ma'am'
(My spirit stirred)

I paused my step
I turned his way
(his eyes were blue)
my feet were clay

I gave a coin
I asked his name
I thanked him as
I hid my shame

I'd passed him by
without a thought
careless of
what Jesus taught

He ministered
into my soul
he sparked a fire
he lit a coal

The spark burned on
a passion new
burned in me
burned and grew

Moved my goal-posts
changed my ways
changed the shape
of all my days

Jesus cracked
my heart of stone
through the man
who sat alone.

© Ellen Carr 2012

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE