Fear of the Homeless

I saw him on the corner

already memes of despair

surround me like flies at a picnic

- and me, ready to do what?

fly-swatter in hand

shoot the gap unaware?

without so much as a straight-up

look into his eyes, now glassed

almost tearing from the cold?

my money safe in my pocket,

my mind argues the case

if I give him money

he will not become self-sufficient

If I ignore him

I will stay self-sufficient

I’m Phil, can you help me?

Here you go Phil,

I hand him some money

have a nice day.