Hopeless and wasted

Days and nights darkly fused

My years so young and heavily used

Ultimately dependence the only option,

On a flawed system not meant to fall back on.

Pressure amounting and chocking me down.

Tears of desperation, dried up and all done.

Desolate tired and nearly out run,

Five am freezing with the rest of the slum.

Feeling like trash, like throw away scum.

Handouts of numbers that stated our time,

to plead for the means our survival depends on.

Into your space, I was sharply escorted.

Startled and small, meekly I started,

the story I'd rehearsed, till I felt your smile.

The truth I dared spill with my last thread of guile.

I expected pity, disapproval, and scrutiny,

but to my surprise .... you believed me.

Sixteen years later, successful and with family and friends,

I remember you and the gifts that you gave.

No judgement, just kindness – you lent me your ear,

and you gave me the life that I have now & here.

I couldn't find you, 'cause I never saw your face

I couldn't look up, I felt out of place.

Today I wish I'd memorized your features.

I want to find you to thank you after all of these years.