The Times Square Prophet; one of the poems in Rain Witness
The Times Square Prophet
Yo, you got a problem, me talking to you?
You too good to listen, mister suit?
I heard you moan buzz off.
You could learn a thing or two
Even from us street folk.
We don’t just mumble to ourselves.
I got a cell phone too.
It called me, told me
I should share this secret
If you could spare a New York minute.
Listen, yeah to me.
I can give you something precious
The secret to a better life.
I could pass it on to you
If you would take a New York minute.
What I want? No money. Really.
I tell you what the secret is.
If you think I’m right
You nod to me, a little bow, then you say
You may be poor and smell like shit but you have got a point.
You game for just a minute?
Ok, here it is.
Be nice, real nice.
There really is a God.
She’s watching you and keeping score.
You know when you are losing?
If you don’t know that God’s a lady
She says Count your friends
Them people ask for nothing
Just your company.
So, what about it?
Be a mensch and I’ll be on my way.
I’m waiting. Over here. Look at me.
A little bow and then you say
You may be poor and smell like shit...