The question

I have seen many things

been on many scenes

folks often ask of me

what's the worst thing you've had to see...

I find it hard to reply

which is unusual for this guy

Normally, I talk alot

but that question, ain't so hot...

I have found that after eight years on the street

the answer to that isn't quite so neat...

I mean no pun

this wasn't written in fun...

What you don't always truly realize

is a lot of suffering has crossed my eyes

sometimes it's a patient racked with pain

often it's a family member, their tears fall like rain...

Many times there's nothing I can do

dead is dead so what's the use

I shake my head and grab a sheet

make them a shroud from their head to feet...

Dignity, I try to preserve

that's why I'm here, I chose to serve

the family asks, "is there nothing you can do,

please help my loved one", were counting on you...

Hard as it is, try as I might

there's nothing to change what's happened this night

I just want you to know it affects me so deep,

so I think that's one question you can keep.

S. Tye

9-10-2009