He sits at a busy street corner
cardboard sign propped against his backpack
Homeless, Broke and Hungry.
He sits with legs stretched out
crossed at the ankle, skin tan
like any other tourist.
He’s engrossed in his book
and never looks up at passing cars.
His attitude–come to me
if you’re interested–
not for me to plead.
He wears a Patagonia jacket
and eats peanuts as he turns the pages.