Valerie Maldonado
Be the one to see
Past the dirt in the nails
The disheveled look of the man
Past the yellowed teeth
Beyond the torn and ragged pants
Look with your heart
Close your eyes if you must
But look a little deeper
To find the man that once was
Underneath the rough exterior
See a man who once was young
Full of hopes and dreams
Just the same as everyone
Look past the matted hair
Far beneath the tired eyes
Perhaps you can envision
The loneliness inside
Look further, make eye contact
Firmly grasp his hand in greeting
Just because he's homeless
Doesn't mean he isn't seeing
He sees the wary glances
The disapproving looks he gets
He feels the judging wheels
Spinning in many people's heads
Be different, be bold
Be the one to show a touch of grace
Smile so warmly and inviting
For a moment he can feel safe
Be the one to remind him
Love does not judge or demean
Be reminded as you greet him
Like yourself, he is a human being
Be the one to see
Like yourself, he is a human being
Be the one to see
