SANS SABASTION 1970

AT A MEETING IN A BASE CAMP IN SANS SABASTION IN 1970

Miriam said,
come sit beside me,
I don't want those
hippy types next to me.

I sat next to her
in the base camp
canteen in Sans Sabastion.

They beg people
for food or money,
she said,
I've come on holiday
with money I've saved.

Maybe they've run out
of money before the end,
I said.

Drugs more like,
she said,
they're that type,
you can smell it
on them,
especially her,
she stinks of drugs.

I made no comment,
I didn't know the couple,
nothing to me
what they did or didn't.

The hippies walked by
our table;
she was long haired,
blonde, thin,
had some long coat
and it was hot out,
but she wore this
long coat and saggy jeans.

He was similar,
but taller and had a beard
like a young Marx,
and tired eyes.

See what I mean?
How could she sleep
with him?
Like sleeping
with a dog.

They walked past
a few tables
then sat up front
and ate from a bag.

What are they eating?
Miriam asked.

No idea,
I said.

Looks like bread,
just bread,
she said.

I walked up to the table
where they were sitting
and said,
what are you guys eating?

Bread, man,
the guy said, bread.

What's wrong
with chips and burger?
I asked.

No money, man,
no money, he said.

Here have a meal on me
and handed him
some money
enough to buy a meal
for them both.

Hey,man,
what's the catch?
You want to sleep
with my lady?
The  girl looked at me.

No, just a gift,
no catch,
I said and walked off
back to my table.

What did you give
them money for?
Miriam asked.

I had money
and they didn't,
I said.

That's their fault,
she said,
not yours.

I don't see fault,
just need,
I said.

You're too soft,
she said.

Maybe,
I said,
but if I'm ever in need
I hope there's someone
out there will buy me
a meal sometime.

She said nothing,
but ate her burger
and chips,
looking at the hippies,
thinking God's knows what.

After a while
the hippies rose
and bought two meals.

The hippy girl
looked back at me
and smiled.

I didn't fancy her,
but I was glad
she was about to eat,
maybe put on
some weight.

I looked away
from her
and sat and ate.