by
Erik Oosterwal
There's an old black lady
panning in the trashbins for gold
'cause the thrown out food isn't warm enough
to keep her from freezing in the cold.
• • •
The kissing couples, as they pass,
try hard not to stop and stare
at tattered mens' shoes she wears on her feet
and mismatched ribbons in her hair.
• • •
Does God smile down upon her
like he does for the fortunate few?
And when she dies will the angels cry
like they do for me and you?