I read a widely
touted statistic.

“The poorest 5%
of America
is still richer
than 68%
of the world.”

I decided
to stop
the first
homeless man
I saw
and tell him
that although
he might not
have eaten
steady
over the course
of 3 days
he was quite lucky
at least
to have shoes
that scarcely
covered
the soles
of his feet
in this
exceptional
America.

.
.
.

I am
still waiting
for him
to show
his gratitude.

Perhaps
when I speak
to him
on a future
occasion
he will say

“I am not an exceptional American.
I am the American exception.”

As America grows wealthier,
we all reap the benefits
except you
and you
and you
and you.