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 Jun 2015 Clodagh
Joel Frye
Beggared
 Jun 2015 Clodagh
Joel Frye
I once worked the sign
at the intersection
of Facebook and HelloPoetry.
All those years when
secure in my job,
flush with cash,
I'd not meet the eyes
of those who muttered
"thank you, sir"
on those rare occasions
when a crumpled dollar
fell from my hand into theirs.
So I now tell on myself
to bleed the shame
from the arrogance,
never knowing the courage
it takes to look the privileged
in the eyes and ask for help
until I stood on the corner
clothed only in my naked need.
To those who know who you are...I mutter, "thank you".
 Jun 2015 Clodagh
L
Mia
 Jun 2015 Clodagh
L
Mia
I never felt
as hungry as I did
when I saw you
walk into my world.

The students were fresh,
their skin still tight.
All new faces, filling the space in the room.

It's their third year
and my first day.

You introduced yourself,
your hair golden, a strand falling between your eyes,
caressing the bridge of your nose.

"My name is Mia and I love to play outside with all my friends!"

Your name clawed at my heart.
Your hands touched the seat before you sat quiet.
Your hair brushed your hips.
You're missing a tooth.
The color of your eyes strangles me.
I can't breathe.

The rest speak their names and their favorite activity.

This is their third year

and my first day.
It is Professor Wolf's first year teaching at this school.
The third graders introduce themselves.
Mia is amongst them.
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