A Beautiful Day

Spare some change? he asked
My immediate response
Was to shy away
His ragged clothes, his face
Unshaven, his dirty hands.

Sorry, I mumbled
Practically running away
But then I pause to think
What if that were my brother?
My father? Son? Best friend?...Me?

Reached into my purse
Found some change, a dollar's worth
Walked back to the man
Here, I said. Thank you, he said,
And have a beautiful day.

I definitely
Got the better end of that
For just one dollar
Was wished a beautiful day
From one with a grateful heart.

Caren E. Salas