in this city no one i see is conscious
one is worse off than the next
frenzied and insane

Once a year I spend

A night on the streets

I choose a frozen night

And with only my coat

Wrapped around me for warmth

I sit in doorways begging for alms

When this happens in exchange

I give my benefactor a small card

With a poem or a quote

Written by Rumi

Typed in mauve ink

This brings a variety of responses

Sometimes I am hugged even kissed

But my motive is never questioned

This brings me a great happiness

come on and be love’s willing slave
for love’s slavery will save you
forsake the slavery of this world