Skid Row Poem by Singleton M. Tate

See that bum... there on the street
Such a low-life... full of defeat
Never going anywhere... worthwhile
With no one to care... he's not my child

See that tramp... that's scantily dressed
No self-esteem... she'll give her best
Her body will thrill... beyond your dreams
Ecstasy with Aids... she isn't clean

See that child... so young and cold
In danger's way... selling their soul
Life's better here... they'll tell themselves
Lies seal innocence... in sudden death

Seen your sister... maybe your brother
It's your uncle... or maybe some other
Family member... friend or foe
Yes it's bound to be someone... you know

Close your eyes... now pretend it's me
See the bars... that won't set me free
If I was tortured... right before your sight
Would you erase my existence... without a fight

Don't pity the souls... Less fortunate than you
Look for a kind way... To pull them through
Inside of us all... Is a wealth of good
Become a Light... In dark neighborhoods