Without Works

by Chris Burton

For Patricia.

 

When does politeness solve poverty?

Can saying “God Bless You” solve a rumbling belly?

Is there solace in your sincerity that you don’t carry cash?

Or is it just plastic?

Patricia asked me if we talk about poor people in my studies.

“Only in electives,” I said regrettably.

(Like my ivory tower tears quench thirst.)

 

I get heartbroken hearing about Chicago’s southside.

Eyes welled up on Newark’s Bergen Street.

But survivor’s guilt ain’t helping nobody live.