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A Chance Encounter

Walking the local area coastline, 
Cup of coffee in the local Café 
Sitting, observing people passing 
Checking on dress sense today, 
Shoes, where did they purchase them? 
Spotted a homeless person 
Shabbily dressed and looking unkempt 
He appeared increasingly in the landscape 
Popping up in unusual places, staring at others faces. 
I realised the picnic area was his hideout 
Sleeping bags, plastic bags neatly stacked 
He lay asleep on the grass. 
Voices woke him from his slumber 
Gave a glance, no words spoken. 
He walked the village streets, locals avoiding him, 
Winter set in, he lived in the cold of the picnic areas, 
Spoke of his life when sitting in a comfortable home 
The conversation always finished with such a shame. 
One cold winters evening near Village shop 
Aware of a homeless person sitting near 
Huddled, sheltering from the cold wind on a street corner. 
Decided to approach him, enough of wondering 
Checked on what money I could share. 
When approaching he stood as if frightened, 
Standing close enough to touch each other 
Weariness on his face, easily seen. 
Eyes met in silence trying to understand what it was I wanted, 
Asked quite bluntly, what and why, 
No answers forthcoming just a shake of his head 
His eyes showed such torment, emotions coming to the surface, 
Never or ever again, seen such pain behind a gaze. 
Reached to place money in a tattered trouser pocket 
We shook hands, his hand having problems releasing from mine 
His grip was quite strong as we exchanged this greeting 
For an instant, a wry smile crossed his face. 
Realised that he was a young person 
His face showed his daily survival 
He spoke a thank you, as goodbye was spoken, 
Walked away with his eyes following. 
The memories of meeting with this homeless soul 
Went on and on and even visited dreams. 
Not seen since this meeting 
Moved on, looking for somewhere else safe to stay. 
Positive thoughts of what he was doing 
Imagining, what life was dealing him?

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021




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Date: 7/11/2022 6:18:00 AM
Powerful writing... his grip strong... young person... yes... Well done... Imagery pulls you in. Ann
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A'Hern Avatar
John A'Hern
Date: 7/11/2022 2:43:00 PM
Hi Ann, thank you for using one of our most valuable resources, time, to read and comment. In a site so full of poems and stories it is easy to get lost as i read the poems and stories. When someone comments it helps to guide me to their own poems and stories.

Book: Reflection on the Important Things