Subway Ride

After work I rush down the stairs at the subway station,
I see a troubled man clothed in rags stained with dirt.
He starts asking for some money so he can eat tonight.

I quickly and carefully place some money in his hand;
While I do this, I guard my purse like a watch dog.
Some scumbags like to steal from others down here.

Then he thanks me and we board the crowded car.
Rush hour is upon us, so everyone is in a big rush.
We both go our separate ways and I hope he is ok.

I wonder whether he will have a place to sleep tonight,
or if the cold, filthy pavements outside are his only bed.
No roof or walls to call a home and no clean water.

I wonder if he will be able to grab any food after tonight,
or if he can find warmer clothes that are clean to wear.
After all, it is winter and the streets are as cold as Alaska.

Since I am not sure what else I can do now that he is gone,
I pray for him and hope for the best for him and for others.
I know he is not the only homeless person around here.

As I go home tonight on the subway I am also thankful.
Thankful for everything that I have been given in this life.
While others out there are struggling to survive in the dark.

A Familar Reflection

She is looking in the mirror
And sees something familar.
She sees a face staring back
And wishes she was happy.

Her body is obviously healthy
Fit and wonderfully made;
You can tell she works hard
And cares about many things.

Her mind is always thinking.
She is always pondering,
Wondering how to improve,
Upon what she already does.

Her face shows these thoughts,
Thoughts of others and worries,
That completely consume her mind,
and leave her wondering why.

Why she is not happy with herself.
Why she always wants to do more.
Why she worries for nothing.
She wonders aimlessly without a home.

Her mind is like her own prison,
One that is never truly free,
Never free to be herself
or to have her own thoughts.


She knows that needs to change,
But fear holds her back from this.
The judgement of others rules her,
questions and comments matter.


While she is a working adult,
She still obeys others like a child.
She allows others to matter too much,
She gives her own self no attention.


Now she decides to change,
Since the depression is too great.
That reflection in the mirror,
Is going to be more accurate.


Her insides will be her true self,
Just like her outsides already are.
She is good, right, and beautiful,
And she finally knows that she is okay.