Homeless

I don't like to lie in public
So I don't answer my phone.

The man begging for change
Reads my thoughts
offers me god's blessings

My music blaring in my ears.
I am oblivious

A woman hands him a twenty
"Dinner's on me tonight"
Paying no attention to her
His eyes follow me down the sidewalk
Silently giving the sign of the cross
Praying for my damned heart.

A gust of air from heaven
Steals her charity
He barely notices
with me forefront in his prayer

Wishing mercy as I fade into the distance
petitioning his holy father to give me one moment's peace.
His stomach growls defiantly.

No good deed goes unpunished.

Reviews

[Nyida Strong]

Ouch, this hurt. I live in a city with streets full of the homeless huddled masses. I have questions about the protagonist, about the man, none of which I'll ask aloud so as not to destroy the bittersweet beauty of this poem. Well written, well spoken. Well done.

N. Strong