Shame
Is it nothing to you, all those who pass by?
I ask for your change, and you avert your eyes.
Why are you so ashamed?
Whose obligation are you under to give?
I asked you a question, and to questions you can say no.
Spend your five dollars on lotto tickets or cigarettes
Is it your opinion of me?
Do you think I choose to live this way?
Look at you in your fancy suit, on your way to work
Or you, in that swanky black dress on your way to the club
You, with your headphones,
Who choose not only to stare at the ground
But tune me out as well?
Am I ugly?
Do you fear that in what you see,
You might end up like this?
That you might see something of yourself in me?
I'm no fan of free handouts,
I just want to get to my next meal
Think I really want your money?
Wandering, shuffling; "spare me your change?"
Just as well, spare me your shame
I dare you to imagine how I feel.
Look me in the eyes;
Remember that I too have a name.© 2008 Eugene Aarons-Cooke