“Thank you”, he said, again and again, a broken record. On the bottom of the coffee mug were some lonesome coins. His deep-set eyes kept shards and secrets and he reeked of pee and wasted moments.
“Thank you”, he said again, looking elsewhere. I felt my pockets for anything to give but who carries coins these days? Why don’t the beggars take Apple Pay?
“Thank you”, I thought, reminding me how good a life can be. Thank you for the privilege, to never starve, for showers. bed and clothes.
I had nothing to give, but still, he gave me this gratitude
a scent of darkness —
yesterday’s cigarette butts
concealing in snow
Toko Shinoda
Today Frank hosts Haibun Monday at dVerse with a prompt of giving thanks, I think sometimes we are saying thank you for the wrong things.
November 22, 2021
Björn Rudbergs writings 
The cash thing is so frustrating! Lovewly reminder, Bjourn.
I used to buy a bun and a coffee for a guy who sat on London Bridge, back in the day when I made the journey regularly.
This is a very touching Haibun, Bjorn. It is difficult sometimes to know how to react in situations like this. But gratitude should override judgmental thoughts and giving should be from our hearts.
Ah yes a little given can mean so much to the receiver
Happy Monday Bjorn
much❤love
Fine work indeed, Bjorn. I wrote a needy city-dwelling bench occupant piece just the other day. You mastered this one. Thanks.
Very well ‘felt’ and penned.
I feel the immediacy in this one, Bjorn! Thank you!
Beautiful Bjorn!
So evocative, Bjorn. Makes your point beautifully.
This is such a beautiful haibun….real in its reflection on our blessings….and how this man, in all his squalor and poverty, gave you a gift.
Why don’t they take Apple Pay puts it right in today’s context. And also adds as a reminder of what the haves have, and the have-nots do not have.
Excellent haibun, heartfelt and clarion in message. Even midst the still gathering darkness and chaos of today, there are shafts of light and pure moments of enlightenment.
We are indeed blessed Bjorn. And its a challenge for me too as I don’t carry cash or coins anymore.
A lovely reminder that we should be grateful for the most basic things that others do not.
Brilliant. ❤
Happy 🦃 Thanksgiving Bjorn! 🙂
Beautiful❤
the haiku is deeply sweet
Wow…yes, we are positively blessed compared to much of the world’s people.
love the parallel image you presented in your haiku. this line made me grin: Why don’t the beggars take Apple Pay?
Damn. The truth is dark.
This is incredibly real to me.
❤
David