CHANGE PLACES

i was always envious
wanted all you ever had, unexpectedly
we meet by chance, i was shocked to see
you across the street, holding up a sign
in front of you that said:
"PLEASE HELP I AM HOMELESS AND HUNGRY"
i walked over and put every spare bill
i had on me, into the can you were holding
you did not look up, you just said, "Thankyou"
as i did this  i was thinking, i have heard about
scams like this, and i thought- really ? your doing it
again, and for a moment, i hesitated, wanting to  
take the money back, while i was thinking this you
walked to the next person coming your way, at that
point, i wondered if our places were changed
would your reaction be the same, would you be pleased
with yourself or ashamed of thinking what you thought?

by Michael Perry