Today is Homeless Day presented by
the American Realtors’ Association.
The first 2,000 fans get a hot meal
and a shower. A team of valets in
red windbreakers look after shopping carts
while the guests stream in and take their seats.

Saint Narragansett sings our national anthem
wrapped in a gingham blanket against the night’s chill,
fabric bags from Trader Joe’s with all she has to her
name hanging from the back of her wheelchair.
The ballpark’s crowd roars at the high notes and
her cap fills as it’s passed around the dugouts.

Behind the box seats Penobscot Joe sells incense
by the stick or the rubber-band-wrapped dozen
at a stand with a handwritten cardboard sign:
A hungry traveler seeking only to get home
Open your heart and no fair offer will be turned down.
Brisk business with patchouli and sandalwood.