Classic Poem

BEGGARS

They hold out their hands,
dirty and soft, like monkey claws,
and harden my heart
with shrill aggressive whines for bread,
until I curse all poets
who have praised their wanton needs.

By God! I'll save my pennies
for the rich man's servants,
I'll save my pennies
to send the rich man postal cards
on his birthday,
or when he has a son,
or declares an extra dividend in common stock.

I will not pay
to see my brother
point to his own shadow
and say: " It is from God! "