The Forgotten Ones

They are there in the shadows.
In humanity's gutters that are filled with
The garbage and waste of much happier lives.
Existing on that which we throw away in
Disgust or have no more value to us.
Lost souls scavenging fragile glimpses of
Life as it passes them by without looking.
Tired eyes that know fear and loneliness
Stare out from heavily soiled faces.
Bitter alcohol and half smoked cigarettes
Quietly carry them to a plain pine box.
Skin caked with refuse, sweat, and dirt
Stick to gritty clothes from dumpsters.
Minds are fuzzy, easily distracted,
And no longer function like long ago.
Bodies ravaged by exposure to the elements.
Side effects of a society that allows
Haunted and damaged souls to go without help.
Swept under the rug of an uncaring democracy
Intended for all, but the forgotten ones.