He’s walking those lonely streets
day and nightfall catches him still
with no food, but he does not let it
bother his skeletal existence.

Every day the older man wakes up
on the cold, wet grass and says
a brief prayer for those less fortunate than
himself, for he is still magnificently
blessed beyond measure.

If ever he receives a slice of bread, he will
break it into pieces and only eat enough
to carry himself for the day, during the winter
long filled days, the older man is wise
to bundle up as best as he can
and not once does he forget to give thanks.

Even with the little he carries in a duffel bag
he’ll take off his jacket with a smile
from his heart any day to warm somebody up
because he knows he is uniquely blessed
despite his outside appearance,
his soul is already at rest.