Picture this:
I'm walking on the boardwalk
In New Orleans
On Christmas Eve
I've got
Nikes on my feet
Beignets in my hand
Smartphone in my pocket
The memory of my mum handing a 20 to a funny street magician
And a really nice home to visit in
When I pass a group of the homeless
Five or six or so, and they're all talking
Half have signs asking for help
As I pass by, one man, not too old and quite young in fact
This man, he looks up, sharpie etched cardboard in hand
Knees drawn to chest
Hair touseld, generally disheveled appearance
Our eyes lock and he says
In the most meaningful and sincere way possile
Have a very Merry Christmas
By instinct, I flash a smile
And then I hope he noticed
And hope he knew I meant it.
I felt so quietly sober afterwards
Walking in complete meditiation
On those five words
The man had so little
And yet he gave me a wish