cast not away he who
strives for a slight
bit of smoldering ember
to keep a small flame burning
with its constant threat to extinguish
deep inside where darkness and
cold pervade

he offers what he has and
asks for little or nothing
heading on his way
down cold worn paths and icy fields

can I offer a glint of light
passing by him in the night?
connecting heart and soul
from my eyes that know warmth
but now hesitate

who discards him passing
without care?
pondering, do I love enough?
I struggle to know.
I implore compassion’s hand
and to see your life, tired one,
yearning for just a mite of kindness

warm and cold passing
as shadows in the same
picture walking in opposite directions.
the time is now to offer
and unite spirits
giving hope in
a small breath of wind
caught by you and kept
forever and this day.
rest now, weary one.

(c) 2015 Rick Stassi

~rest in peace, shaun~
God has a special place for you