Karma

After sunrise
a coffee in hand
a man sat near
set up shop
took off his hat
set it down
ruffles his hair
sat down
and winked.

"So how about it," he said,
pointing at the ground
and an empty hat

"I'm busy," I replied,
"If you don't mind."

The man shrugged
pulled out a harmonica
and began to play,
oblivious to the scowl
and the offended dignity
wishing him away.

Later
after the sun had set,
the harmonica stilled.

Money jingled out of the hat
into his pockets,
as he took out a crumpled
five dollar bill
stuffed it in my pocket
and said
"Go get something to eat."