Neglected

Oh, Passerby, hear my cry!

Do not ignore my weary sigh.

For from morning to night,

I clench my arms with all my might.

The cold seeps through my shivering skin;

Oh, Passerby, drop some coins into my tin!

Every minute my stomach churns

With pain--the inside of it burns.

Sand and twigs do not compare

To the food that should be dwelling there.

Though I wrench with hunger you do not care,

Oh, Passerby, do you do nothing but stare?

Can't you see I need your help?

You are bothered by me, though I gave barely a yelp.

No, you are too busy you say,

Someone else will give me pay.

Yet I lie here weak and desperately

Thin--Oh, Passerby, are you blinded

To death's evil grin?