I Saw You

I didn’t help you out enough
see, I looked away after a contribution
not because you are unworthy
but because you are so young
your face, actions, and words brought back memories
memories of children working on buses and streets selling candy
I didn’t want your candy, I wanted to help you
I wanted to talk to you, to see how you were doing
to know how it feels to be you, to understand you
because it is hard to be you
it is hard to work for bread when you are just a child
you experience rejection, ugly looks, pity
you don’t need pity, you need encouragement
because you are outwardly strong
building a sensitive and senseless heart?
Can you hold both and not cry?
I wish I had made you smile
you don’t need pity
you need encouragement for something greater
Are you running and walking fast like a New Yorker?
You looked stiff and emotionless
You reached your pocket for change but I didn’t take your change
you didn’t even thank me, wait for what?
the contribution? You thought I was filling pity for you, didn’t you?
and you don’t want pity!
you started walking away
and then I want to pray for you
but what good have I done to deserve to pray for you
you are too much, too good, too young to talk to strangers
too young to sell fruit snacks in a corrupted city