If you can't say something nice
“if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all”*
Such a sweet talker
He could talk a buzzard off a meat wagon
The truth lied in his mouth
Waiting…patiently…
Preying on the moment
Venom dripping from its fangs
The rattle just a distraction
And still they listened
Responded to its plea
For an “AMEN”
As the basket passed
Pennies from the poor
To feed his “privilege”.
She was less subtle
Standing on a street corner
Jingling an almost empty cup
For emptiness draws no attention
She speaks softly
Causing you to slow…to listen
Speaks of need, of loss
Of a longing to serve god
Could you but help her
As she fumbles for the i-phone
Chiming in her pocket
*Flower the skunks mother in Bambi”
Copyright © John Lawless | Year Posted 2024
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