Boy on the Corner

There’s a boy on the corner we pretend we don’t see.
He begs us for money, that’s his only plea.
We walk right past without even a glance.
To survive this world, we’re his only chance.
Behind every face, there’s a story untold
And behind every building, there’s a child that’s cold.
They’re crying out for their lives to be saved.
They’re the youngest of the weak and the strongest of the brave.
They are kids without homes but do you know why?
Have you ever listened to their lonely cry?
Do you know that their parents don’t want them around,
Or that they have to eat food picked from the ground?
Do you know that they’re scared and wish for their death,
And long to be normal just like the rest?
They want to be loved and feel that they’re worthy.
They don’t want to be forced to do things that are dirty.
They dream of a family to have and to hold.
They dream of a home where they’re safe from what’s cold.
They want to be loved like you and me.
They want their hearts to be what we see.
They want to be saved from those lowly streets.
They want to be respected by the people they meet.
God knows that these kids can’t fend for themselves.
He spoke to my heart and asked me to help.
“You can’t save them all, but you can save one.
Maybe two, three or four by the time you are done.
Let my will be done, I ask this of you.
Your life has a purpose and this you must do;
Feed the hungry and love thy neighbor.
Teach them the way to be with their Savior.
For the child that’s homeless, open your door.
Fill their heart with love so they shall never be poor.
I will give you the resources to do what you must.
But it is in me that you must trust.
I’ve filled your heart with enough love to share,
And I’ve softened your soul so you’ll always care.
I’ve crafted your eyes so you'll see their pain.
I’ve opened your ears and I’ve called you by name.
I know it’s a home for a child you need
But I will provide, it’s in the creed.
Remember this as you complete your task,
I may be that child wearing a mask.”

Gretchen France
06/27/01