Edge Of Life Poem by RoseAnn V. Shawiak

Looking beyond people on the edge of their lives,
not seeing their emptiness, hopelessness, despair
in times of need.
Thinking only about their own lives and what they
must do when leaving the company of poverty.
So derelict in their duties performed for their
advancement and credit.
Nondescript endeavors tilted out of balance, as
life dictates how little they can help another.
When looking, watching people in need of a life-
giving essence to survive, seeing them actually
looking into another's eyes, meeting their own
poverty within each other.
Understanding of dire situations can only come
from having been there yourself.