Begging Is Just The Beginning

Begging is just the beginning
 
First you must sit
Indian fashion on the sidewalk or curb.
Do not be disturbed
if occasionally you’re asked to move on.
You do not seek trouble.
 
Seed your cup with small coins.
Do not jingle.
Hold your right hand out.
Rest your elbow on your knee when tired.
Pay no heed to clouts.
Ignore both pity and kindness.
Think yourself a guest.
           
Eat your fill from what’s left in the cans.
Gather bills like doubt.
Keep the coins in a sock at your belt.
When it’s cold, walk south.
Every day give thanks for the sun.
Let the crisp air talk.
 
Ponder riddles of everyday speech.
Share with birds. Let stop
your heart and your mind on occasion.
Be the child that once
you were happy to be and were glad.
 
To advance, accept you are nothing.
In the end, it’s trust
and a giving up and forgiving.
Say good-bye to lust.
Disregard any lingering pain.