A Listening Ear

Composed by Melanie Bradley

Special note: I’m not homeless and while I cannot relate, I can understand how a homeless person feels, they feel overlooked and pointless in life. To those of you who are able to help them, don’t be afraid to drop change (or whatever) in their hands or go and get them some food and drink. I understand that many homeless people fall into drugs, and drugs are very bad but they do that because they probably just need a break from their life and that is their only capable escape (in their eyes). I have heard people who see homeless and say “get a job.” Is that seriosly all you can think when you see a homeless person? Without knowing their stories, you want to think they are capable of getting a job? If they’re like me (many health problems), they might not be capable of working. When you see me, I hide my health problems well (but many of you know about them) and if I ever need help, would you think the same of me? Then don’t think that of the homeless one you see standing on the corner.

(Verse 1) The cardboard is my lonely ceiling, the asphalt is my floor for me. Another sunrise breaking through a dusty, locked-up door The city wakes around me, a symphony of speed But all I hear is silence, a silent, growing need You see me in the alley, a shadow by the wall I know you look right through me, and when you don’t, you look past me and wish I wasn’t her. You’ve heard a thousand calls You see the clothes are torn and thin, you see the tired stare But you don’t see the memories, the weight I have to bear.

(Chorus) I know I’m just a stranger, a face you pass right by And I know that you can’t help me, no matter how you try I see the hesitation, the kindness in your gaze Caught between the knowing and the fear of these lost days But if you ever slow your pace, and let me catch your ear I’ll tell you all the stories that have brought me standing here And maybe just a listening ear, a simple, open heart Is all a person needs to find a brand new, hopeful start.

(Verse 2) I used to have a family, a house with four warm walls I used to laugh and celebrate at holiday calls I used to have a job, a purpose, and a name Before the sickness took it all, a sudden, blinding flame I lost my way, I lost my hope, I lost my sense of pride And every waking moment, there’s nowhere left to hide From all the ghosts and all the pain, the things I’ve left behind The hardest part of being lost, is losing your own mind.

(Bridge) ‘Cause every soul is heavy, with a story they can’t tell And every heart is fragile, under this broken spell And even if you can’t lift me from this cold and lonely street Just to know that someone hears me, would make my life complete.

(Outro) I see you, I really do, And I’m here to listen, too.