on the day before

a homeless man, all shabby and messy and bushelhairy of him, waved to me from afar while i was working last night. he limped nearer and asked if i had some spare change.

i shrugged. "i got nothing, man. sorry."

a sad smile. then quiet murmur: "it's my birthday, today..."

"oh heyy!" i said. "god bless!"

his beamed a brighter smile.
i drove off, and from my rearview mirrow, i saw him waving goodbye.

happy birthday you mister homeless guy you. God be with you, even if people like me can't help you any.