As I walked through the city this morning, an old man was looking at me.
I said to him “What is your problem?” Please tell me what do you see?
He looked me over a moment then, stared at me straight in the eye.
A teardrop ran over his cheekbone and then he started to cry.

His face pleaded “please don’t walk by me”, bid me the time of the day.
Give me a smile of acknowledgement, as you go on your way
He just needed someone to talk to, a small conversation to hold.
The city is buzzing and busy, but lonely for someone who’s old.
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I thought if I had a spare moment, I’d give him some of my time,
But I must dash to my appointment, or my job could be on the line.
One day I’ll stop by and chatter, but today my time is quite sparse.
So this time I’ll give it a rain check, I’m too busy chasing my ass.
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His face pleaded “please don’t walk by me”, bid me the time of the day.
Give me a smile of acknowledgement, as you go on your way
He just needed someone to talk to, a small conversation to hold.
The city is buzzing and busy, but lonely for someone who’s old.
So I just carried on walking, thinking of things I’d to do.
Full of my own self importance and planning my projects anew.
A great rush of guilt came upon me, I wish I had heeded his plea.
When suddenly I caught my reflection and realised the old man was me.
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My face pleaded “please don’t walk by me”, bid me the time of the day.
Give me a smile of acknowledgement, as you go on your way
I just needed someone to talk to, a small conversation to hold.
The city is buzzing and busy, but lonely for someone who’s old.