"Aliens or Citizens?"

They sit in your class-

Unseen to you and others.

They walk among us-

Undetected by many.

They aren’t homeless,

Rent snatches up every penny.

They make countless sacrifices-

Choosing between food and bills.

We encounter these Americans daily.

Some notice their hardship

The concerned offer a dollar or two.
Or cut eyes at them like razors

We shop at the mall

They search through piles at second hand stores

We enjoy fast food and hearty meals

They wait in line at local soup kitchens

Do you continue to ignore them?

Do you stop to let them know you care?

Do you make a meager contribution?

Or will your paycheck be their beacon?

They provide the questions,

We refuse to answer.