We all feel sorry for ourselves sometimes, and when I do I find it helps to remind myself that there's plenty of people in the world a lot worse off! This lovely poem by Blckbird reminded me of that today, and also brought to mind this beautiful song.

The Streets Of London

1. Have you seen the old man in the closed down market
Kicking up the paper with his worn out shoes
In his eyes you see no pride and held loosely by his side
Yesterdays papers telling yesterdays news.

Chorus:
So how can you tell me you’re lonely?
And say for you that the sun don’t shine.
Let me take you by the hand
And lead you through the streets of London
Show you something to make you change your mind.

2. Have you seen the old girl who walks the streets of London?
Dirt in her hair and her clothes in rags
She’s no time for talking, she just keeps on walking
Carrying her home in two carrier bags.

Chorus:

3. In the all night cafe at a quarter past eleven
Same old man sitting there on his own
Looking at the world over the rim of his teacup
Each tea lasts an hour and he wanders home alone.

Chorus:

4. Have you seen the old man outside the seaman’s mission?
Memory fading with the medal ribbons that he wears
In our winter city the rain cries a little pity
For one more forgotten hero and a world that doesn’t care.

Chorus:
So how can you tell me you’re lonely?
And say for you that the sun don’t shine
Let me take you by the hand
And lead you through the streets of London.
Show you something to make you change your mind.