I'd like to think you needed it much more
Than I - that generosity had been
Drawn out of me despite myself. For your
Mean act illuminates where I was mean.
You wouldn't have acquired so much had I
But helped the old man I saw yesterday.
Instead, with head half-turned, I hurried by
So that my conscience wouldn't hear him play
Forgotten music on his violin.
You probably stole out of devilment,
And blew the lot on cigarettes or gin,
And never valued what the money meant.
But, if you pass that old man in the Strand,
For my sake, please, put something in his hand.
