I glance outside my window At the lively group below, As they greet each other warmly, Basking in true friendship’s glow.

And I wonder if they notice, In that safe, smug world they’re in, One small face pressed to the window, On the outside looking in.

I roam the crowded streets by day, With hope, I search each face, And yet, each one’s a stranger, Running his or her own race.

And I wonder if they understand, In that small cocoon they’re in, How very lonely life can be On the outside looking in.

At night I walk deserted streets, With no one by my side, And I stop outside each window, And gaze at those inside.

And I wonder if they realize, As they eat among their kin, How terribly hungry one can get On the outside looking in.

So if there’s someone you might know Who never seems to smile, Then why not give him one of yours And make his day worthwhile.

For circumstances quickly change; With one brief gust of wind, You just might be that lonely soul On the outside looking in.

– Linda E. Newman

Hebrews 13: 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.