Poverty is the shadow we can't discern
From the ash tree in harshest winter

It begs a nickel and we give it a side turn
And structure it with bells and tax dollars
And stipulations whilst buying shiny
Organic apples with fancy paper

Sustenance is hard to come by, and shelter
But ignorance is cheap and in great supply
To be freely traded for scraps of humanity

It is surely written to gift but those leftovers
Grow moldy in the fridge instead of calming
The stomach of one who doesn't mind
Devouring your bite marks & saliva

Better from your hand than a dumpster
Crummy lots and crazy brains and foul teeth
Indicate a need or two unmet but persisting
Through change we can't bare to spare

And there's no time to sit down for a chat
Because you know you can't throw all
The starfish or rescue every kitten either
So I refuse the personal, and feel only

A second of guilt, and then annoyance:
I'll reflect now, and write him dignity but...
Next time I'll remember my headphones.