stark hunger

he's on the bench with a shabby suitcase
on wheels, at the bus stop
no need for eye contact
until he approaches, and stammeringly
asks for help for a homeless person
i reach toward the 4 quarters in my pocket
and offer them into his
ragged young hands,
he's maybe 20. here, i say
reaching into my shoulder bag
for the granola bars
take these too, as he eagerly opens
the wrapper and starts
eating, walking off down the sidewalk
going somewhere to spend
that dollar or just keep from growing moss