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This poem is a little different than the standard poem. I know there are many types of rhyming schemes, but I don’t think this fits any of them. To read it, it will help to know that The 2nd and 4th lines rhyme and then the next 2 will rhyme. This cadence continues until the last paragraph where the 1st and 3rd line rhyme. I hope this makes sense.

A baby was crying in her mothers’ arms,

The mother was frantic to stop the wailing

The baby looked over her mother’s shoulder

There was a man, dancing, and jumping with arms flailing.

The baby stopped crying and laughed with delight

As she watched the man and the hilarious sight.

A widowed woman sat on a park bench no smile, no frown

She stared into space not aware of her surroundings.

Suddenly beside here was a man smiling

He gave her a nod as if to say, “I’ve been there and felt like I’m drowning.”

Something about his presence made her stop and see the day,

She felt a warmth she couldn’t explain, there was something about his way.

A teen at his wits end felt the urge to take his life,

He walked to a bridge with deep waters below

He knew it wouldn’t take long if he stepped off the edge,

But he saw a man walk by, stop, and say hello.

His compassion without judgement stopped the teen from jumping

He couldn’t explain the gentleness he felt; it left his heart thumping.

An old man shuffling down the street, felt useless

His life had all but passed, he felt a burden to society.

A stranger walked by, dropped his wallet, the old man bent down,

He gave it back to the stranger, who shook his hand as if he were notoriety.

The old man smiled as he looked at the stranger, there was something in his face

That made him smile and stand taller as if he received a warm embrace.

Who is the man that steals cries from babies,

Who steals sorrow so the widow feels alive,

Who steals the reason someone wants to jump,

and makes them want to strive.

Who stole the old man’s useless feeling so he could feel relief?

His name doesn’t matter; he steals defeat

He likes to be called The Thief.