Homeless Alone No streets paved with Gold. A frightened young child, barely Fifteen years old. A voice in the darkness offers some hope, a chance of salvation, hot water and soap No Samaritan he, just a predatory beast, Ina drugged drunken encounter on me he would feast. Beaten and bloodied, a child no more. I reach for the money he’s thrown on the floor. A victim of rape and still just a teen, I scrubbed at my body but never felt clean. A survivor I am at least I’m still here; living each day consumed by my shame and fear