Tattered mendicant,
I give you alms ...
I toss loose coin
Into your palms.

I give you largess ...
My heavy pack
Invisible
Upon my back.

You finger my coins,
And savour a brew ...
Feel promise of warmth,
Keen pleasure to you.

That which I gave you
Never bought
A single thing
For which I sought.

Superior,
I pass you by:
Tattered mendicant,
You ... or I?