A Winter's Tale

'Twas in the bleakest of the winter When I was caused to stop and frown. Treading careful on the frosty ground, I heard not far away a mournful sound. It came from a crate, tipped over, When I looked, I saw a man inside. He looked at me through eyes so sad, That had seen some terrible things. There's a café round the corner I said, Would you like to come and sit awhile. We can have a hot drink and a bite to eat, I swear I saw the glimmer of a smile. Thanks, he said, but I can't go, If I do someone will steal my place. Stay right there was a stupid thing to say, I'll be back in a jiffy, now don't go away. Nipped to the market and bought some flasks, For soup and t'other for tea? forgot to ask. Filled them both and food to last him through I'd been maybe half an hour, but not much more, Long enough for him to pass through heaven's door. The smile on his face told me he had found solace, He'd had another visitor that night, called Grace. I cried thanks to the Lord above, He took him to a better place. © Dave Timperley November 2020