the beggar


trashcans on sidewalks
rats, cockroaches, flies lick junk
child eats the rubbish.

cold and damp at night,
the child searches for refuge,
sleeps on concrete bed.

sun rises at morn.
its rays awaken the child
who moans of hunger.

passersby ogle
at him who begs for breakfast.
cling! a penny drops.

child gets up, picks coin,
runs toward a food vendor.
gives coin gets nothing

sun reaches its peak.
hunger left the child no choice.
shoplifts bread and eats

cop apprehends him.
as punishment, beats the child.
child cries, bows of shame.

sun sets, hides its face.
a downpour, child runs for shelter.
another day ends.