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Little girl, begging (GM?)

Posted by j_k on 2010-October-15 20:54:09 EDT, Friday
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Leaving the restaurant with a few close friends,
I notice we`re being followed--
a gap-toothed little girl, dirty and shabbily dressed,
five or six years of age, maybe older.
(Probably older. Malnutrition tends to do that)

- Please, sir, can you spare any change?

This I`ve learned through experience, living in our city:
best not to show any signs of giving in; these beggar children are advance scouts--
even make a move toward your pocket, you`ll be mobbed, and not just by kids;
the street people materialize out of the shadows like ghosts.

- Please, sir?

The best response is none at all, just leave without a word,
but somehow I can`t bring myself to ignore the existence of this little girl...

- I`m really sorry, I don`t have any...

To soften the bald lie, I touch her lightly on the shoulder and smile.
My eyes linger on her a little. (Under the grime, she`s sort of cute)
She meets my gaze with a look of-- wonder?

Backing the car out, I can feel her still watching me.
I smile at her one more time through the windshield, and she lifts an arm in a small wave.
`She seems to like you,` remarks one of my friends as we drive away.

-

Do I delude myself by saying that what I gave her was more valuable than spare change, worth more than coins for food?
Perhaps.


j_k

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