Those Eyes

"We think sometimes that poverty is only being hungry, naked,

and homeless. The poverty of being unwanted, unloved,

 and uncared for it the greatest poverty."

Mother Teresa

A homeless man sits on the city sidewalk, waiting for coins to drop into his cup. He is not begging for money, but his disheveled appearance makes his condition perfectly clear. His skin is covered with filth, but those eyes. There is something entirely engaging when one takes the time to intentionally gaze into those eyes. 

There were those who look straight ahead but keep an eye on him using peripheral vision as though he would attack at any moment. Others land a full gaze on him and then quickly jerk their head away. Then come the kind ones who acknowledge his presence with a smile or by politely placing money in his cup with respect. 

The circumstances that cast him to this space are unknown. Family or friends may not even know where he is or care. No one has any idea as to when he was last hugged or told that he made a difference. It costs absolutely nothing to look into his face and offer a tender smile. And those eyes ... what has he seen and endured.