this beggar of California

Beggars of California 

With their tattoos nd their piercings
I don’t give money to beggars in California                          
Up 0n d Haight with his honey
not really in need
this beggar of California

At least in New York you get some song nd dance
perhaps d tickle of a tenor sax ? nd they’re out in the rain
not just when it’s sunny, like those beggars in California

Near my apartment in Pacific Heights,  know them by name.
It’s funny; frown when they see me: two brothers, one on either side of the street, these yuppie beggars of California

I offered to pay the pawn 0n Runny N0se’s instruments out of hock, but his sign was a true ploy
Another’s sign: “Sailor needs a ship”; it’s war time!? Beggar of California

I offered one a berth nd a meal of tunny. I still see him, but he begs no more  
I think he’s On the dole with a cot. His wordzs were foggy, this beggar of California

I begged Jackie Paper, since the eighth grade: run f0r California
head west young man
Education was free
Was I cunning or just another beggar in California?