The Stranger

His clothes were ragged his face gaunt and lean When first he appeared upon the scene From where he came no one knew for sure He was just there one day among the poor His voice was calm yet filled with quiet power As he said "This Earth is facing its darkest hour" "Fear, hate and greed now rule the day" "And hope is fading as man has lost his way" These few words he uttered and then withdrew Disappearing like a ghost as does the morning dew The crowd was stunned, his words ringing in their ears One crying out “Who was this stranger that plays upon our fears" No one answered; no one would even hazard a guess And the crowd slowly disbanded as if saying "I could really care less" So the world goes on choosing once again to discard and forget Unaware that ignoring the words of the stranger they will live to regret