Soup Kitchen Exorcism

Soup Kitchen Exorcism

I dropped a coin in his cup

But his severed limb begged for more

So I handed a bill to his good hand

And received a blessing from the almighty

I asked him where he's going

He answered with a prayer

And pointed to the heavens

As I gave a blank stare

I glanced at the Iraqi stains on his coat

Military soles wore down thin

I pointed in the direction of the mission

Did not move a budge, frown forming

So I asked him why catch your death in this cold

He answered with sly eyes zipping

"They will not take me there!"

He exclaimed as a chortle escaped his lips

Swore he had a holy cross to bear

The God send of a new mission

To purify himself of the blood he spilled

In the war that raged on in his mind

The one that followed him home

You see he claimed he was the messiah

And the soup kitchen cast him out

For casting demons out of the soup

Now he sits alone on Main Street

Cup in hand, grimy grin gleaming

Those who pass him, do so quickly

Must be the drugs that plopped him down here

I checked his one arm, free of track marks

And checked his breath from 13 feet away

Cast aside my doubts and fears and shook his hand

He said, "I like you"

Again with the sly grin

"Will you be my friend?"

Copyright Adam Gaile 2012