Making Change

The clink of change rattling against the bottom of an empty can

is the same as the clack of designer shoes against the sidewalk:

“Give me.”

The newest pointless purchase has a line just as long as the shelter.

We move like blindered cattle,

masses of us trained to see only what is in front of us

for our advantages,

not the crumbling society right alongside.

The stench of greed

smothers the waft of helplessness

that is slumped in the doorway

of a dimly lit convenience store,

because God forbid the helping hand

be one with a fresh manicure;

but “Any change?” rolls off the tongue

the same as “I want a raise.”

Don't let the scratch in your back account

or the blow to your pride

be the reason you pocket your change.