Poem by Eileen Trauth

Doughnut Hole

She sprawled across the sidewalk
disrupting 
customers’ comfortable stroll
from the intersection 
to the upscale bakery.

She held a sign in her lap
asking for a dollar
to buy some food,
less than the dollar twenty-five
they’d give for a basic glazed,
one third what they’d spend
on the crème brûlèe specialty.

Patrons awkwardly assembled
in a line, outside the entrance,
forming around her,
encircling her request,
averting their eyes.
     
She did not yield
to their discomfort,
kept her gaze fixed 
on each departing shopper
eager to escape
into sweet oblivion.

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Eileen Trauth is an author, inclusion advocate and Emeritus Professor at Pennsylvania State University. In addition to poetry, she has published several nonfiction books and an award-winning play. She lives in Cincinnati, Ohio. www.eileentrauth.com

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