Sidewalk Encounter
“Got a light mister?”
you fumbled in my direction, cig
dangling from your lips.
“Don’t smoke,” I said warily.
“Got a quarter for a cup of coffee
then?” you asked.
“What kinds of coffee do you
get for a quarter?” I questioned loudly.
“I’m a Canadian,” you said. “And
I’m not crazy either.”
You took notice of the hard
stare I gave, me dressed in a nice
hat, trousers & jacket, wife
clutching at my arm, nervous
you in ragged clothes, second hand?
I don’t know.
“I’m just standing here bud,
looking at your face.”
My thoughts
rambled, nerves crawling
down my leg.
“Don’t give me no lecture,” you
sneered, green teeth & hair awry,
dangerously close to my face.
Then we stood back from the edge
both glad to be on our way.
© 2007 Richard L. Provencher
first published November 29, 2008
The Dublin Quarterly
International Literary Review
Comments
C_A_JONEStechno | October 18, 2009 - 03:33
C A Jones
I've done my share of begging
Of living on the street,
I was so much younger then,
I thought that it was neat.
Wouldn't want to do it now...
Richard L. Prov... | October 19, 2009 - 20:15
Thank you C_A_J, for your comments. We sometimes do not realize the difficult paths some folks have lived. I remember years ago, a fellow told me he slept under the carriage of a box car so the bad guys wouldn't find him at night. Imagine. Richard LP
C_A_JONEStechno | October 20, 2009 - 18:14
C A Jones
Yes, its true but never forget that human nature is to win - I suppose a true winner doesn't expect too much of others.
Other people are too often disappointing. And trust no-one - they can't help it and it is unfair to expect more.
Richard L. Prov... | October 21, 2009 - 02:27
C A Jones: I was fortunate to spend 22 years in a variety of positions in social services. Much about life was taught me. ie In James Bay, I met some powerful folks who lived from day to day and were not turned on by materialism. Take care, Richard LP