He sat cuddled to the doorway
Gnarled fingers shaking white
Dirt and weather stained his skin
Begging coinage to the night
Passerby's feigned blindness
Quickly detouring his plight
Outstretched hand met chill
As they scurried out of sight
Pulling newsprint, tucking tight
Keeping cold and damp at bay
Curled up again, just waiting
For kindness to come his way
Towards his base they hurried
Young mother, child in tow
The adult's gaze averting
The child's eyes were aglow
Tugging at her mother
Said "I thingk he is in need"
"He is just simple a beggar
we must move on in speed"
"But God said we must help
when others are in pain
you have always told me
why not now, can you explain"
Lost for answer, stopping short
She looked to child in awe
Innocence has its reward
A pure soul, yes without flaw
Digging deep into her purse
Two dollars brought to palm
Cautiously passed to trembling hand
Eyes steady in feingned aplomb
"I thank you gentle woman
for this gift to me this eve
Not to seem unappreciative
of the moneys I receive
But I must now hurry
the chruch closes soon you know
and I would thank our Father
For the kindness that you show
For every dollar I receive
Half of it I share with Him
For without His assistance
Life would be quite grim"
"But you live a life of misery
just begging on the street
How much worse can it be
Living your life in defeat"
"Kind lady my life has aim
it brings out good in man
Just now from the pleas of child
You were led into God's plan."
Author: Brian Beaudry
Northern Ontario, Canada
12.16.00
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