The Epitome Every day on my way to work, I pass by the same man sitting in the dirt. He sits there leaning against the brick, holes in his jeans, tears in his shirt. Never once have I seen someone approach this man. He’s there alone, surviving in this world the only way he can. And right on by we walk, some even quicken their pace. For them, this is one man they don’t want to face. He is the epitome of what frightens us most. Being left alone to wander, the life of a ghost. And so we avoid him, leaving him on his own to persevere. Never even knowing what has brought him here. Some will look towards him with disgust. They believe that this world is just. And so they walk by him without a care. Simply believing that he must deserve to be there. And there are others who go by with a different thought in mind. They believe him to be the man that society has left behind. But still they move on, offering him no hope. Just leaving him there alone in this world to cope. Where does the shame in this tale lie? Is it in the life this man might lead? Or is it more likely to be in hearts of those who pass by, never taking heed? © 1999, Jennifer DuBoisBirth sign: Virgo
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