He pulled a worn blanket over his shoulder
Hoping it will keep him warm till dawn
Just when he thought it couldn't get any colder
The flickering light over his head was gone!

He followed his routine by thanking the Almighty
For the meagre meal and the blanket old
He had saved some berries from those he sold
He knew these days no one believed in charity.

Just as everyone was settling down for the night
They saw an old man beg for food a few steps ahead
Most of them decided to ignore him instead
But the young guy couldn't bear to see his plight!

He took his shaking hand and gave a warm smile
He fed the old man the berries he had saved
And some water that the man so craved
These precious moments still made his life worthwhile!

He woke up next morning to people staring at his begging bowl
Were his eyes playing a cruel joke?
He thought he might just have a stroke!
There was a pile of gold coins and a scroll!

The man leapt with joy on reading the contents
It was none other than the brave king on his ritual tour
Looking to help the needy, the poor
Indeed the young man had been chosen after the previous night's events!