La Mona

She sat on the side walk
waiting for someone to have a talk
Her back rested against the wall
the air was bitter
the sky graying charcoal
I walked in and chose my table
Ordering decaf and a toasted bagel
at the counter she stood and ordered coffee
almost whispering in a tone so softly
Sitting behind me reading his paper
the hispanic gentleman called out to the waiter
"I'm paying La Monas bill, don't charge her"
This name he gave her describes her looks
duct tape was holding together her boots
The usual homeless victim was the site of such
desperately searching for a bite to munch
As I left the Cafe there she was at her spot
I offered a few bucks without being a snot
"Thank you" she spoke smiling, The Madonna
That was the morning I met La Mona

I saw her again today
while driving down Pelham Bay
sitting beside another diner
my guess is to satisfy her hunger
Who will be the good samaritan now
to waive a hard earned dollar for her chow
Not many will come forth
turning their backs they take off
covering their noses mumbling words
like "she needs a bath with aromatic herbs"
forgetting that she was created in His image
She just might be from your family lineage

By: Vanessa Ramos