Rattle that can

RATTLE THAT CAN

Rattle the can
that I hold in my hand
drop money in
help me to pay
my way in life
stop for a chat
ask for some facts
get to know me
I'm more than you see
a man holding a can
I do have a name
yours may be the same
ever wondered
what this feels like to be
a cracked branch
in the family tree
broken and detached
the perfect mismatch
snapped, a handicap
to those that I love
handled with gloves
ask what I'd like in life today
and I'm likely to say
let's get rid of those
horrible names
badges of disgrace
wash away all of the dirt
that causes the hurt
come clean
starting from now
for those worse off than you
in health or in mind
find love
have a heart for a start
then take it from there
who knows where this will end
so in your world today
treat all people the same
that's all I have to say
have yourself a nice day

JAMES REID