Posted on Friday, October 16, 2009

Beggar
Oh God, not another beggar
streets are full of them in America
I avoid meeting them eye to eye
head down as I empty my pockets of dimes
Always wishing me a lovely day
I burn with guilt as I walk away

I have spent over fifty dollars on food today
Oh God, not another beggar
This time we stand and chat together
He tells me the rain is unusual for September
I tell him I’m happy either way
As this is my first time to see this place

“lucky you”

he smiles at me

I put some change into his cup

Quietly knowing this will never be enough

it’s only then that I am able to see
a cardboard sign that reads:

‘homeless. shameless. living with HIV’
penny for your thoughts in NYC

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