When No Samaritan Comes

When No Samaritan Comes

I've felt the bludgeoning force
Of being used,
Valuables plundered
In reckless abandonment,
While laughter fades
Into a dusty past.

I've seen the judge,
With withering stare,
Sniffing in distaste
At the messiness of a life like mine;
Just clicking tongue rushing by.

I've watched the prelate
Turn head aside,
Nose buried in a prayer to self,
Just ceremonial nod,
Pretense of deafness,
To moans of hurt too close to home.

But when will my Samaritan come,
To heal the gaping wounds
Left by those who should have known better?
Must this dying man drag himself
Through the broken wilderness;
Knock on doors
With bloodied knuckles,
Search in vain for coins unplundered
To pay for redemption
Of trust?

2nd place: Poetry Ring Members Only Contest Mar. '06