I was inspired by the cover pic for this one which I have seen all over Facebook today. It's crazy in this day and age with all the wealth about especially that which is wasted on such trivial things. I know I'm guilty of that too but we can make a difference. A small donation, helping out in a soup kitchen or collecting clothes, blankets, shoes and other items from friends and relatives to make a winter survival package could save someone's life. Someone like Kirk.

He was sitting outside the cafe
So I bought him a cup of tea
I did this everyday for months
That's how I found out his story

'Hi my name is Sy
Is there anything I can do?'
'I'm Kirk,' said he. 'I'd love a sarnie
And a strong, sugary brew.'

Just fourteen he was
When his dad threw him out
In with the wrong crowd
But not really a lout

He was easily swayed
And easily led
Up for anything really
To enhance his street cred

He started to pick pockets
On the trams or on the train
First time he got caught
He swore he'd never steal again

But his promises were false
As temptations were high
Anything that sparkled
Took this magpie's eye

He wasn't really a bad lad
But he had to survive
All he needed was a chance
So his life he could revive

Then one day came an opening
An apprenticeship where I work
High and low I searched the town
But alas, no sign of Kirk

The last resort was Betty's
The soup kitchen by the river
They said he'd just left with the van
He was helping them deliver

So I decided to wait for him to return
I chatted with these unfortunate folk
I realised they were like you and me
After telling tales and sharing a joke

Kirk couldn't quite believe his luck
When I explained about the job
He couldn't wait to pay his way
And have no reason to go out and rob

He cried tears of joy when I offered him
A simple room at mine to rent
For eight years he'd slept on the streets
Not even the shelter of a tent

Five years on and we're great friends
And see each other all of the time
And everyday he tells me thanks
For being me and giving him a lifeline

He rang me on my birthday
And said he had a surprise
He picked me up in his new car
And put a blindfold over my eyes

We parked and walked right into town
To show me this he sure was itching
'Ta da!!!' He said removing the blind
And the sign above the shop read:

KIRK'S KITCHEN