The Man at the Corner

how often had I debated

to stop and talk to you

man who smiled as I ran past

on the corner, in your wheel-chair

as a child after school

walking up the hill

you were there

as I lugged my back-pack

and infantile paintings and stories

gave you but a glance

and so the seasons changed

the years unfolding, shiny and new

my body blossoming too

you still recognized me

and we exchanged smiles once more

older, more thoughtful

more than once did I pause

wonder who you might be

and why did you sit each night

watch the cars, the people,

the noise, the lights and dark

the last time was spring

blossom smelled like jasmine

which couldn't have been true

how odd, my favourite scent then

at the end of my run

you told me to keep going

and I laughed

the full-extent of our conversation

after that, when the blossom fell

rotting in the pavement

an earthy stench after heavy rain

you no longer sat at the corner

watching the world go by

and I no longer smiled at the man

I never had the courage to talk to

Reviews

[sea lily]

this is so lovely.