i stole whole chickens from the supermarket
but loss prevention caught me
and when i pointed out the window
to the vacant store across the street
they responded with no sympathy
and a $200 ticket
(the poor always become poorer
i think to myself)
i left with an empty stomach
and two weeks of probation

i knock on my neighbor’s door
pointing to the vacant store across the street
“excuse me sir
could you spare me a warm meal or two?”
the man raises his eyebrow
and slams the door

we live in a world of selfish swines

i think to myself

as i walk to st. elizabeth’s
for the evening soup kitchen

i find my place in line
and when i am finally handed a bowl
i ask to see todays menu
the gray woman laughs and points
“soup”
she spoons heaping pools of steamy broth 
i find an empty table
and finally begin

but the chicken is stringy
the vegetables are soggy
and i am wondering why everyone around me
is eating so fast