Nam Vet


So again I saw a man at the light,
his sign saying:

"Nam Vet,
homeless,
hungry,
please help"

I stopped and gave him something,
not much,
just a little bit.

He said ‘God bless you",
looked at me,
sat down and looked down,
as I waited for the light
he would not raise his eyes,
it seemed forever the wait for the green,
for he was shamed,
belittled,
because he had to beg.

He seemed strong,
not on any kind of substance,
just perhaps lost,
not even knowing why himself,
just a little bit hollow
and ashamed perhaps.

So we connected for a time,
or perhaps for more than that,
for I still think about him,
a strong looking man,
helpless beside a light,
begging,
alone.

Jesus wept.