Squirm

Annelise Hansen

Is it art or conscience
that took two years to find
right words to tell:

South Street Station, Philadelphia
the homeless men in
black parkas, yellow teeth,
red eyes, blue toes

On Saturday I gave them
sandwiches and smiles, safe
in cruddy jeans.

But on Sunday I wore heels
and hurried past, afraid
the destitute might make me
late for church.