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It Crossed My Mind

Listen to poem:

It was nice to come in from the cold
I ordered my espresso
Sat in the corner by myself
Wanted to read and relax

A man then came and sat
At the table next to me
Uncomfortably close I thought

He took off some layers
Unpacked a bag
It crossed my mind
He may be homeless

He had that look about him
It’s not like I was about to ask
Or engage in conversation
I had not slept all night
Definitely not in any mood
To stir the morning air

It crossed my mind 
That I could not imagine
With the oncoming of winter
Being without my home or family

I was no longer in the mood to
Leisurely hang around
I reached to put my coat on
And couldn’t help but notice
The big hole in his left boot

I gasped inside my head
As I nodded and 
Gave him a warm smile
Too stunned to do or say anything

I think about him now and then
And how that hole is now
Imprinted in my heart



Read on air by invitation  ~  July 7, 2021  'WORDS & MUSIC'

AP: Honorable Mention 2022, Honorable Mention 2021

Posted on November 25, 2018

Copyright © Line Gauthier | Year Posted 2018

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M. L. Kiser Date: 11/27/2018 7:09:00 PM The least one can do; warm his heart with a warm smile. It's hard to know what to do, on the spur of the moment. Well penned. Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 11/27/2018 9:10:00 PM Indeed, the least... Thanks for your much appreciated visit and comment, ML.

Greg Gaul Date: 11/27/2018 1:06:00 PM Reaching out is truly a tricky thing in today's society. No doubt. But not thinking about it is unforgivable. Well penned - this intimate, little, unspoken interchange. We all have them. Thanks. Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 11/27/2018 9:10:00 PM Thanks for your lovely visit and comment, Greg. Much appreciated.

Timothy Mcguire Date: 11/26/2018 7:34:00 PM Understandable in this crazy world. But you still left the fellow with a loving smile. Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 11/26/2018 11:11:00 PM I'm starting to learn that sometimes that is one of the very best way to "help". Thanks for your much appreciated visit and comment.

Sylvia Coulstock Date: 11/26/2018 10:51:00 AM Very true to life Line,something all to common today,sadly.I love the way you wrote this with touches of humanity and a reflection of your own soul. Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 11/26/2018 2:46:00 PM Thanks fro your lovely visit and comment, Sylvia.

Chris Green Date: 11/26/2018 8:42:00 AM I could picture this as I read it today. The plight of the homeless is often a sad one but at times it is a choice they have made and some just may be happier than we are. Nicely done. Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 11/26/2018 2:47:00 PM Opting out of society... for so many possible reasons. Thanks for your much appreciated visit and comment, Chris.

Carole Duet Date: 11/25/2018 8:48:00 PM I like this one a lot, Line, and a warm smile means more to someone than money sometimes. Great little poem! Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 11/25/2018 9:25:00 PM So true. I much appreciate your visit and comment, Carole. Thanks.

Michelle Faulkner Date: 11/25/2018 5:52:00 PM This sounds like it may have come out of a real experience - when you think of those who are homeless, it makes you appreciate what you have all the more- Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 11/25/2018 6:05:00 PM For sure, Michelle. Thanks for your much appreciated visit and comment.

Ilene Bauer Date: 11/25/2018 4:56:00 PM it's sad to think of all the people who do not have their basic needs fulfilled (not to mention the emotional ones), especially at this time of year. you've described this feeling very well, line... Login to Reply Line Gauthier Date: 11/25/2018 6:05:00 PM Thanks for your much appreciated visit and comment, Ilene.