Never Too Late

Down on the corner by the X bus stop 
Lives a little homeless man on a cardboard cot. 
Look at you man, you need a job –  
Hooded and dirty like you’ll steal or rob. 
I saw you today, with that cup in your hand; 
Standing by the trash can and the hot dog stand. 
“Say mister, say mister, can you spare a dime?” 
And when the man said “No,” you swore he was lying. 
But I’m not coming down on you, 
Because the same things you’re doing, 
Are the same things I went through. 
But one day, I met this man – 
He had a bunch of Street Sense papers under his arm, 
And some cash in his hand. 
“Say man, say man, what you got there? 
You’re just waving your arms all over the air.” 
I got Street Sense papers so I can get me a buck. 
No more begging on the sidewalk, 
No more waiting on the truck! 
But it ain’t no big thing, as you will very well see. 
‘Cause a brother like me, got a responsibility. 
When you wake up in the morning, 
Before your coffee or tea. 
I want you to come down to Street Sense and ask for me. 
I know you’re pretty dirty, but don’t l be afraid. 
You just do what they tell you, and you too can get paid. 
So, I gave him a paper with the address on the back: 
I said, “Don’t you sell it for no alcohol or crack.” 
His eyes got big; his jaws got tight – 
He said, “I don’t do drugs, but a little wine is alright.” 
I said, stop right there! I don’t I don’t need to know! 
Just grab your bags and proceed to go. 
So, I’ll see you there, man, I got plenty of work to do. 
When I sell all my papers, I’ll get back to you. 
The brother started staring, staring into space, 
For he could remember his well-paid job, 
And a clean-shaven face. 
Then all of a sudden, the man stood up! 
He put the coins in his hand, 
And he threw away the cup.