An Image of Hunger

Today I commented

On a social media post.

Then I visited a mall,

On Facebook I did boast.

When I sit at my table

For Thanksgiving leftovers

I can’t shake the image

Of a man who didn’t smell sober.

I saw him outside the mall,

Cradling a cardboard sign

that said, “Will work for food.”

I walk by as if to him I am blind.

Now, my fork touches the potatoes

As the man’s words rattle in my brain.

He said, “I’m hungry. Can you help?”

I rationalized, he just wants cocaine.

After dinner, I check my phone

To see if my post has a like,

But a comment says I’m a mall rat

Who’s rich. What a stereotype!

How dare someone say I’m wealthy

When I am just comfortable.

My mind replays the man’s words

And I fear I too have pinned a label.

But what can I possibly do

To ease the plight of the hungry?

Perhaps I can start by seeing

That I am starved for empathy.