Wilting Pansies

I wrote this poem to honour the man I saw each day on my way to work in Beijing. As he came off the night shift, he ate his breakfast on the corner at the bus stop. Circumstances trapped him in a world of hard physical labour and daily frustrations. His dreams were so much bigger than that. 

On one hand

Expectant attitudes

Slouching, inebriated, cursing and puking

No pride, no respect, no caring

Affluent, spoilt and over-indulged

Shallow

Corruption mends all evils

Devoid of principles they exist

Thinking only of self

Trampling all under foot

Unaware and without caring

Selfish

The others

Workers filled with gratitude and respect

Walking upright

Proud

Exhausted

Poor, but not broken

One man walks tall

Dignified and wise

His eyes open and seeing

Looks forward

With hope

To changes, to thinking

His treasures he has kept

Manners, respect and concern for others

Richness, intellect and wisdom

He carries it all

Upholding dignity

And pride

One man

Sees it all

Strong opinion and solid aspirations

Knows what is needed

Wishes to transform, to progress

Seemingly powerless 

Find the strength within you friend

Make the choices needed

You have the knowledge and the tools

Your mind and body are strong

The time has come

Do it now 

Or 

Forever wait at the bus stop