The Times Square Prophet; one of the poems in Rain Witness

The Times Square Prophet

Yo, you got a problem, me talking to you?

You too good to listen, mister suit?

I heard you moan buzz off.

You could learn a thing or two

Even from us street folk.

We don’t just mumble to ourselves.

I got a cell phone too.

It called me, told me

I should share this secret

If you could spare a New York minute.

Listen, yeah to me.

I can give you something precious

The secret to a better life.

I could pass it on to you

If you would take a New York minute.

What I want? No money. Really.

I tell you what the secret is.

If you think I’m right

You nod to me, a little bow, then you say

You may be poor and smell like shit but you have got a point.

You game for just a minute?

Ok, here it is.

Be nice, real nice.

There really is a God.

She’s watching you and keeping score.

You know when you are losing?

If you don’t know that God’s a lady

She says Count your friends

Them people ask for nothing

Just your company.

So, what about it?

Be a mensch and I’ll be on my way.

I’m waiting. Over here. Look at me.

A little bow and then you say

You may be poor and smell like shit...