Missed Opportunity

Situated on the sidewalk

With his back against the wall

Of Bank of America,

He stared. That’s all.

 

With frayed trousers,

A tattered shirt,

Worn sneakers

Covered with dirt--

 

He sat alone.

Only now and then

Did he look up...

And then stare again.

 

A striking contrast

To the passersby--

The Gucci dress,

The George Neale tie...

 

He held a sign;

“HUNGRY” it said,

Scribbled on cardboard,

Written in red.

 

His beseeching gaze

Seemed to convey

His hunger and pain.

I looked away.

 

Someone will give him

Enough for a meal,

I rationalized--

Trying not to feel.

 

I should have helped

The guy somehow;

Those imploring eyes

Still haunt me now.

(6-18-14)