genuflection...an angel hired me

delivering food to the poor with st. vincent pride,
pappaw tells his story, sitting in the church vestibule, 
warming with soup and coffee my young eyes wide.
times tight, hard times, hobos hide in boxcars.
hunger, sick with hunger, one roof many living under.
a lost man out of work, walking the cold streets,
the last dime from his pocket lights a candle.
dropped on one knee in genuflection he begs work from prayer.
this the hardest time of year, rain on his overcoat.
bending before he breaks, he meets a stranger in the street.
under the lamppost, feeling the heavy frost of breathing,
he confesses his jobless story to the well heeled.
baritone voice shadows spoke, sending him direction.
the lost man rose in new life, seeking gainful work,
years of good toil his hands did labour in earnest.
one day he finds himself in the chairman’s plush office.
dark wood walls hung with honours and framed portraits.
time given with all his heart fulfilling, his eyes are caught.
dropped jaw, words fall out fast before promotion spoken.
there behind the desk is the portrait of the man in the street.
the gentle stranger that sent me direction, who could he be?
the boss in baritone answers, “that gentleman is my great grandfather”.
founder of our old establishment, he passed on 2 score and years ago.
bells ring in his head, spinning, how could this be, falling to the club chair.
i met an angel on the street human again, an angel hired me. 
when all feels lost, remember that guiding angel and pray to thee.