I shook your hand,

your name, Matty,

Matthew, you quickly corrected yourself,

but I called you Matty because I think that

is the name you choose,

and it made you smile,

I tell you my name,

you smile again,

and as we talk I hand you the coins I have,

an insufficient answer to your dilemma ,

and some would say I shouldn’t give….

some blame you for your plight….

and while I don’t know your story

I refuse to believe that everyone on the streets

is at fault,

so instead I will rage against the greed and injustice

of the systems that oppress,

the systems that judge,

the politics that demonsie,

and the media that other-ises those who need including…

need understanding,

and simply a helping hand….

I look into too many eyes like yours,

and hear the names, Steve, Kevin Jon, Carol, Hannah, Mark…..

The two dogs Donald and Dougal ( think Father Ted)

I have been danced with, embraced and thanked….

and yet I have so little to offer….

but I will fight for you…

with all that I can…