Philanthropy

              Philanthropy 

          just a longer word
               for excess

               In the eyes
                 of the
            changing children
             it is their way

    the rich man builds the healing box

            and noone forgets
 
        they adorn it with names

               and brag about

          what they have done

          to feed the homeless

           making little visits

             middle of night

           wading amongst

       the  crack viles and lies

       empty dreams shattered

       self absorbed expressions

       reconstituted in the refuse

       of their misplaced obsession


         you see I have lived here


          you see I survived here


      you see I have made it out of here


          even Kicks understands

          the coprparate scheme

      he ain't tradin no grass for free

 so when you you ask if I am a fortunate man

               I say yes !

           I'll do what I can

          I'd give you my shirt
  
                or shoes

            to warm your feet

 a night of shelter away from the streets


  but would you call me a philanthropist ?


                   I say NO


           I'm  just tryin to help me


               I must confess !