Went to a vendor, paid the fee
Wanted to learn philosophy
Only a dollar the ragged man said
Took the hat right off his head
Held it out for me to deposit
My dollar added to the hat’s composite
What can I tell you the man said in low voice
I needed help on how to make a choice
I wanted peace but how to get it
He had a wry smile and said forget it
There won’t be peace ever
It’s too easy to do and the rich won’t let it
The rich I queried, how? you say
They need the profits coming their way
Peacetime offers no money for them
War and unrest always favors them
I looked away down the street
Military advancing in heavy feet
Thanks for your answer I said sorrowly
Then we both turned ready to flee
The sound of heavy armed men in chase
I need to find a new safe place.
***
Daily Prompt – JusJoJan the 16th, 2026
The Bag Lady 