stretched out as long as a spill,
hardly distinguishable
from any of the other
drifts of the debris in the lane.
'Drunk again,' I thought
and paused, then pressed
my penance into his palm.
Quick as a trap,
his fingers lashed
over it: suprised
sober eyes blessed
me for being kind.
Then he slept again,
fist wrapped, tight,
about the bribe my guilt refused
limbs thrown wide
Often people who are under financial stress have trouble sleeping. So when the beggar receives the money, he feels a relief that allows him to sleep easily once more.
The Beggar