Panhandling the Panhandler

Met an eager charming panhandler today His smile was unusually bright and gay Hi he said with friendly eyes and big smile I was on a jog, had gone about a mile Hi yourself I sang out in a voice that rivaled his He looked pleased, not understanding my tone or biz Do you have some extra change? He asked me I laughed and giggled and slapped one knee Extra change. What does that mean? I asked His face was not as Pollyanna-smiling-masked Money you don’t need, dollars will do too His expression was innocent, his eyes bright blue A buck or five, twenty would be welcome and plenty I laughed, amused tears at this begging bold ninny These tears ran down my face and fell off my blouse I could use your spare twenties, I told this blatant louse. You are asking me for money? He said. His eyes nearly leapt out of his head If you don’t have a twenty, a hundred would do I replied. The panhandler walked off, ignoring my gloat of pride.