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”