Beggar

Please.

Please, you say, your hands folded in prayer.

A daughter, a child, with knots in your hair.

Whatever I’ll give, whatever I have,

It’s never enough.

Never enough.

 

I’m rich, you said,

Or rich to you,

I eat at night and sleep in a bed,

There are coins in my purse,

I’m always well fed.

 

Please.

Please, you say, your hands folded in prayer.

A daughter, a child, with knots in your hair.

It’s food, you tell me, but I know that’s not true.

He’s around the corner, he’s waiting for you.

 

Muss up your hair, pluck up a smile,

A few tears don’t hurt,

While you lay on the tile.

Make them believe you, make them feel sad,

It won’t help forever,

But it’ll help for a while.

 

Please.

Please, you say, your hands folded in prayer.

A daughter, a child, with knots in your hair.

The money’s not yours, it isn’t for you,

He’ll take it all and beat you too.

 

You don’t need my pity,

You need a home,

Someone to love you,

A place of your own.

Hope for tomorrow,

Books you can read.

A mother,

A father,

Someone to take heed.

 

Please.

Please, you say, your hands folded in prayer.

A daughter, a child, with knots in your hair.

I’ll buy you a meal, I’ll sit on the curb.

You’ll tell me your name, your voice will be heard.

 

 

I couldn’t help you today,

I had nothing to do.

But it won’t be forever.

I’ll come looking for you.

Someday it’ll be different,

Someday it will change.

You’ll be valued and treasured,

And he’ll be in chains.