I never part with money

To mendicants I meet

Who shelter in shop doorways

Along the city streets.

I fear they wouldn’t  spend it

In escaping from the rain

But rather on White Cider

Or a hit of crack cocaine.

 

But happily I’ll shell out for

A homeless man who begs

On a voucher for a meal and drink

That you can buy from Greggs.

You might not like what I won’t do

That’s your choice to deride

But ownership of this is mine –

It’s my right to decide.

 

So if you see near Christmas time

A homeless man who begs

Why not spare a quid or two

On a voucher bought at Greggs?