The homeless are among us

They could be seen 

In many cities around 

America and the world

- – -

They each have

Their own stories to tell

That’s heartbreaking

- – -

Many in the developing nations 

Of the world have reached 

That stage of helplessness

Because of drought, famine

Wars and natural disasters

- – -

Others like in the United States

May be as a result of not having

Adequate mental health facilities

Some happen to be veterans

Recently returned from

Fighting wars in Iraq and Afghanistan

- – -

But despite the country

Where these homeless people reside

Their living conditions are rudimentary

Many live in tents like in the Sudan and Somalia

In the United States some sleep under bridges

And spend their time roaming cities

With bundles on their backs

Resorting to parks and libraries 

- – -

During the winter months

When the weather is harsh outside

Many of the homeless find themselves 

Invading public buildings where they can be warm

This is very much unlike the tropics

Where it’s warm throughout the year

- – -

Some governments and non governmental agencies

Like churches and the United Nations

Make attempts to address these issues

But in many cases their efforts have failed 

Image via Wikipedia

To greatly alleviate such problems