Chance Encounter
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The poem came to light during my experience as said in my poem. I thought about how lucky my life was, if lucky is the right word. I am sure that most of us have seen or come into contact with a person who has lost their way in life.
Walking the coastline pathways
Cup of coffee in the local Café
Sitting, observing people as they passed
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
Realised picnic area was his hideout
Sleeping bag, plastic bags, all 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 giving him a wide berth
Clothing improving, including shoes on his feet
The gossip tree said, elderly people made him welcome
Winter set in, he lived in the cold of the picnic areas
Spoke of his life when sitting in our comfortable home
The conversation always finished with, such a shame
One cold winters evening, near Village shop
Aware of homeless person sitting nearby
Huddled, sheltering from the cold wind on a street corner
Decided to approach him, enough of wondering
Checked on what money I could offer him
When approaching, he stood as if frightened
Standing close enough to touch each other
The weariness on his face, in plain sight
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 surfacing
Never or ever again, such pain behind a gaze
Reached to place money in a tattered trouser pocket
A shake of his hand, done willingly
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 man
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 this homeless soul
Went on and on and even visited my dreams
Not seen since this meeting
Moved on, looking for somewhere else safe to stay
Positive thoughts of what he was doing
My imagination, what was life dealing him
Copyright © John A'Hern | Year Posted 2022
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