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For Jane's Inspirations.

What do you see when you see me?
Do you see your reflection mirrored in me?
Is that why I cause you such discomfort and pain?

What do think when you pass me by?
Perhaps that you are better because of my state?
Yet, I'm not crazy, I'm no druggie
and haven't gambled my life away.
If I were -
if I had -
would that ease your distress?

Have I so easily become part
of this architectural landscape
that you only see
me defacing your buildings
like some unwanted graffiti?

Have my outstretched hands become
so insignificant,
that you fail to read
my signs of anguish and pain?

Does my calming demeanor lead you to think
that I'm fine -
not hungry or sad?

When you see me -
do not let your hearts become as solid and cold
as the pavement on which I sit.

When you see me -
do not let my outstretched hand hang in supplication -
for I do not solicit anything more than that which sustains.

I would rather you acknowledge my existence than smell it;
I would rather you look beyond my countenance
to see the man behind the sullied mask.
For I mean you no harm.

But if feelings of discomfort rise within you -
then at least you have begun to understand my state.

And if feelings of fear rise within you -
then at least you have begun to understand my pain.

For I was once one of you,
and saw reflections of me
never littering streets unknown
with family, home and abundance of love.

But life dealt a tragic blow
Leading me here
Feeding a depression for a family long gone.
Fate led me here
Starving the existence that you've come to know.

And now I am nothing more
than part of this architectural landscape -
like graffiti defacing your beautiful life,
watching reflections of me pass me by.

My outstretched hands nothing more
than needy vessels -
unseen -
until the day I die.

So when you pass me by,
Look my way -
See my face,
Feel my pain,
and see me for who I am.

Because in the end,
there but for the Grace of God you go -

Because in the end,
I am
Simply -
Uncomfortably -
Fearfully -
You.