Children idle by a sill
Waiting, wondering, silent and still.
Abandoned by parents, abused and alone,
No place to cuddle, no home sweet home.

Mommas and poppas alive in a park,
Meager, humble, home after dark,
Talking of how it is not for them
To take in a child of a red tape system.

Yet how can they not make it their life?
How can they walk away from this strife?
If it were them sitting by a cracked window pane,
Wouldn't they hope someone would give them a name?

If not a name then a bed safe from harm,
A story to dream on, a pillow, some charm.
A smile, a tissue to wipe away tears,
Some hope for the future to last through the years.

A child lays awake rocking, alone and afraid,
You wish not to see them or call them by name,
Abused, neglected, alone and scared,
Dying for love and crying still you choose not to hear.

Oh someone will take them, someone but me,
Someone will rock them someone better you see,
This is what you quietly say to yourself
It's not your job leave it to someone else.

Oh I am busy; oh I have so much to do,
I couldn't do it even if the Lord asked me to,
It is a mountain I just can not climb,
It isn't my child, I haven't enough time.

When you walk in a store and see a child's tears,
You think what a shame, walk away knowing he's scared,
His father just hit him and his mother just screamed,
But it is none of your business so you leave the whole scene.

Go about your life; forget what you know,
Why should you be responsible for what others have sown?
Why shouldn't you? Why can't you give a bit more?
Sow a seed of charity right at your door.

If you give just one day of your life today,
The rewards are great in every way,
To see a child smile after being withdrawn and afraid,
You can help by being a mentor, a foster parent or adopter,
Just give some of your time who could ask for more?

© JANUARY 17, 2001 Suzanne DeRemer Floyd

Credits: Suzanne DeRemer Floyd