Cracked Concrete

The alley whispers old secrets, Of lives lived hard, and stories told. In shadowed corners, dreams decay, Where hope's faint embers fade away. Bare walls reflect a weary sun, Another day, another one, Of empty bellies, aching hearts, Torn between dreams and broken parts. A rusted bucket, cracked and worn, A testament to battles sworn, Against the odds, a losing fight, For scraps of comfort, in the fading light. The children's eyes, so bright and keen, Reflect a future, yet unseen, A yearning hope, a fragile plea, For something better, wild and free. But shadows lengthen, day is done, Another battle fought, and lost, outrun. The cracked concrete, a cold embrace, Reflects the hardship, time and space.