a bodhisattva would

six living buddhas sleep on the sidewalk
curled around empty begging bowls, twice
as many taxis in the queue at wo er ma

a bodhisattva would drop a coin
in every bowl, hail each taxi
out of compassion.

I notice, but I pass by
on the other side,
walking

poem © Steven Schroeder
image © Mary Ann O'Donnell

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