The Finicky Beggar (circa 1995)

In Manhattan,  I witnessed a couple
sitting in front of a Presbyterian Church
on 5th Avenue, near Central Park.
Three hours later when I passed them again, 
the male took out a wad of bills, 
larger than I ever held in my hand.
 
On another occasion,  
by Saint John Divine Church at 112 St. and Amsterdam Avenue, 
was a young man of color
with short hair and very sweaty. 
He walked up to me and asked for money. 
I told him I would buy him a slice of pizza if he was hungry. 

He said no, he wanted cash.  

He was having a jones for his drug of choice.
He was the most
picky,
finicky and
fussy
beggar I ever met.
 
I said,  “I am afraid you will use the money on drugs.” 
The beggar responded he needed a hair cut. 
I told him I only give to
Salvation Army and to
the Red Cross.