begging

The veteran of Afghanistan

Kuwait, and Iraq

his body is now healed

but memories come back




sitting outside the church

it being the Sabbath day

waiting for a few coppers

that might come his way




the parishioners file past

the pockets are sealed tight

there is not crumb of comfort

to sustain him through the night




the sermon is drab and grey

the parishioners are weary

the hymns chosen to lift the heart

are sung flat and dreary




the collection plate makes the rounds

a bountiful display

and for the beggar outside the church

they are all willing to pray




the beggar watches them as they leave

still hoping for a crust

as they look down at this fit man

so righteously in disgust