walking worn streets
passing alleyways
I see them again
they are standing where they always do
I yearn to join them
but cannot
for I am coal

they sneer their distaste
"go home," they growl
"you're not welcome"

dogs in the alleyway
bark as they chase a cat
poor cat
cat that is coal

we are coal
not wanted
***** filth
better burned

longing to be wanted
we are not
for we are coal

when will they see
that within the coal
there is a diamond
waiting to shine