A Spared Bill
I overhear the clicking of coins
in his hand-held container.
As I approach nearer, he shakes it
more rapidly with a rhythm.
I turn my head to glance,
and see an old man in his tattered cloth,
looking anxiously toward
all those people who pass by.
He catches my attention
with his toothless grin.
He captures me in his unhidden smile
while I fumble inside my purse.
Alas, the coins are missing.
A dollar bill pops up!
While I drop the bill into his container
it does not make a clicking sound,
but he looks happier in his toothless grin.
