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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.
Copyright ©
Caren Krutsinger
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