Pay it forward

Walking through the streets today
And Through the corner of my eye
I saw a child run away
In a flash he was gone
I walked along a little more
And the boy in a doorway
Sitting on the floor.

Could you spare some change please
Whispered this young man
What's your name I asked
Joining him on the floor
My name sir is Dan
He replied looking at the door

I wonder what it'd be like living inside these walls
I plead and beg for money and food and cover myself in rags to sleep
The people take no notice and won't listen to my pleas
The street is no place to be at night it's rough and cold
There's violence everyday and no one to hold
He looked at me with eyes so sad
I offered him my hand and said come with me lad.

I took him to a restaurant and bought him something to eat
I asked him his age I'm 16 sir was his reply
I took him to a refuge and bought him some new clothes
at least he'll have somewhere to sleep
and socks to cover his toes
He can rest his tired worn out feet

Next day i returned to see him and offered him a job
He said politely thank you trying to stifle a sob
You can start tomorrow
Here's an advance
one day a week
you must give someone else a chance

I too was where you were
Tired and broken on the street
Til someone came to help me
and pulled me to my feet
We are all here to live our lives
And be the best we can be
Everyone will suffer hard times
Enjoy life to the max
Heed no regrets because you cannot take them back.