He was a strong man
a tall man
though his back was bent with age

He was a wise man
a kind man
with hair of silver grey

He walked with pride beneath each step
though his boots were caked with mud
his hands were worn with years of work
face brown and lined as a leather glove

He passed a man sitting in the street with his hands upon his knees
at his feet an old fishing hat and a sign that read help me please

Here the man did stop and stare when he might have passed him by
instead he got down on one knee as I looked on in awe

He took the stranger by the hands and looked him dead in the eye
Son, I've been in you shoes... please let me give you hope

Then into his pocket he did reach though not for a handful of change
instead he drew out a hundred dollar bill
wrinkled and lined with age
He pressed it into the strangers hands as tears came to his eyes

The kind man stood without a word
then vanished into the crowed