The homeless man.

The homeless man.

I toss a few coppers and silver, they tinkle, into his tin.
Around me, is the racket of traffic and city "din",
I shudder as I walk away,
hoping someone will find somewhere quieter, for him to stay.

The city is hostile and distraction is all around,
but he is oblivious, just wants to be found
and for
money to be put into his tired hands.
He just wants passers by to take pity, understand.

A hairy, sleeping dog, it's head in his lap,
himself- slumped over, grimy, black teethe, tatty cap.
I wonder...
am I fueling his alcohol addiction?
I leave- before I encounter, from other people, any friction...

At least I cared in that moment, about his sad plight,
after all he is someone's Dad, brother, son -
now just an unwanted, abandoned sight....