I took a rest on a ruddy bench Aside the lady with the looking glass Till a little blessing came tapping With an outstretched hand telling
Begging change in exchange the floras The lady, amused with the child Showed him a wise saying That was mundanely swaying
As the words came out The water of life pouring As the true meaning he learned From the lady's interpreted word
That moment the personas shared With time who couldn't stay Could determine the fate As it wasn't too late
I took a rest on the ruddy bench Flowers, words and lives were traded Familiarity grew on the streets Where strangers pass or meet
Sampaguita (*Jasminum sambac*) is a flower commonly sold by street children near the university I go to. This poem is dedicated to the two "Sampaguita Boys" I met one night