Please do not feed
the birds.
$100 fine.
As if to say to ask
with an open hand
to be taught the way of gentleness
is not worth the out of pocket
expense.

If we knew the value
Of timidity and pigeon toes,
If we understood
A delicate look of apprehension
As it wrestles with
Hope,
You and I would search for quarters in the street
And skip each tender dinner
And declare our overall bankruptcy
Until we had enough money to
Proffer the judge
and take our communion
with the seagulls.