Casey (A Most Beautiful Person) Poem by Randy McClave

Today I saw a beggar sitting on the street
Collecting change from people that he did meet,
I sat alone watching and pondering while drinking my coffee
Not once did he noticed or even saw me.

The beggar came inside the shop where I sat
He slowly counted out his change on the cashier's mat,
But, he didn't have enough change for coffee that day
Then sadly and lonely he slowly walked away.
But, before he had exited the shop's entrance door
I confronted him and invited him back into the store,
I offered to buy him a coffee and also a sandwich
With a smile, I spoke his language.
He then told me how he became this homeless man
Sitting alone on a corner collecting change in a can,
He told me that he grew up in a very abusive household
Where he was hurt and beaten and spiritually controlled.
So, one day he finally escaped that abusive home
Then on the streets he then began his life to beg and roam,
And there on the streets is where he was also beaten up
And he was always afraid and alone without any backup.
He said that he could never find a job because of his appearance
And also because of his incoherence,
So, no one would ever help or even approach him
So, he always stayed worried and sad and grim.
He then told me that he once had a best friend and it was his Dog
Which he had found outside shivering at a synagogue,
But, then after many years his best friend finally past way
And all that he could do, was to cry and pray.
I listened to him for hours holding back my sadness and my tears
As I heard him speak of his hurt and pain from many sad years,
But, then to him I had to sadly say goodbye
I had to return to work, with my soul heavy and my eyes dry.
But, before I left, the homeless man went up to the cashier
He then whispered something into her ear,
She then handed him a pencil and a piece of paper to write
He then wrote me a note, which he asked me to read that night.

"Earlier today I thought and then I cried
Because, I was going to commit the ultimate sin, suicide,
But now, because of you my life isn't worsen
Thank you, most beautiful person."

Randy L. McClave