Chance Encounter

Had a chance encounter on a busy sunlit day
I pressed and hurried forward to begin a quite full plate
I met a man
Disheveled and disoriented
He was 0 for 20 in attempts to get a quarter
In the ebb and flow of quite successful people
Who afforded neither quarter
Nor a second of their time

Blocking my advancement on the crowded city pavement
Entreating me
He met me with an upturned grimy palm
Informing me that just a dollar would secure the meal he needed

"I don't have time for this," I thought
And wondered how to get beyond this sudden inconvenience
I thrust a crumpled bill his way and said "I'm in a hurry!"
Never giving way so I could journey to my cubicle
"Your hurry is the essence of your problem," he replied

"You have more plans than scheduled time
And spend it on the bottom line
Compelled to buy and sell
Diversifying your portfolio
You have no plans to kiss your wife
Or sit with her to plan a life
Always speeding out the door with brand new worlds to conquer
Believing that you have the power
Controlling every waking hour
Your smug regard implies you have your future in your hands
But you know what?
A sudden shift could wake you with a swiftness and deliver you
To help me work this corner
Yeah I see your look and dozens more
They look around or through me
Disdaining or dismissing me as reprobate and hopeless
I took your fleeting temporal trip
I've been where you're headed
Always speeding getting there and never knew where there was
Never stopped to rest or to appreciate the journey
The things I passed have passed me by
Alone and disregarded
Now my days are filled with 'Can you spare?' or "God, if only!'
See- you have a chance to slow your pace
And let your spirit resonate with heavenly instructions
Invest- yes- invest some time in helping folks and loving those around you
Their worth should merit them a humble slot on your agenda
Now if you must then disregard this true attempt to reach you
But know that human encounters bring a chance to hear from God!"

And then he left-

Gazing at my watch I hastened
Wondering how I let this vagrant waste my valued time
Well I rushed and turned the corner
Being greeted by the sound of many sirens
And the sight of injured bodies
The building where I spend my days engulfed by many flames

I never saw the man again who brought illumination
And a second chance to reconsider how I view my brother
And a second chance- to live!
Chance encounter on a busy sunlit day.