My mother has sometimes expressed pride
at my street corner generosity
to the indigent
which is strange
because I give selectively
and in relatively small quantities.

Still, it seems to be more than she gives,
which is also strange
because she is far more generous
than I.
Perhaps it is because she is friendlier
so she gives more in the context of relationships
while I give to strangers
since I just know fewer people.

Anyway
I give dollar bills
to darker skinned people
because white folks get enough already.
Usually, if there’s a pet involved, I’ll pass them by,
since they’re just making more trouble for themself
and their animal friend by that marriage of inconvenience
and I want to have no part of it.

My mother
chooses not to give on the street.
I guess I’ll ask her why
at some point in the future.