Vagrant Stranger

A vagrant stranger walks into my local bar.

I catch his eye or does he catch mine?

He orders a pint of bitter with a whisky chaser, my glass is full of
lemonade.

He reaches into his tattered black overcoat and fetches out a handful
of coppers.

I approach and offer a note?

The stranger says 'Sorry but I must decline your kindly offer, for I
have taken enough'.

The pint goes down in one with the whisky following straight
after.

He stands still for a moment whilst taking a slow glance around.

With a 'Thank you and goodnight' the stranger collapses to the
floor.

The landlord shouts 'I think he's a goner'.

I consider that maybe I should go and help but before I can -

Old Jimmy gets up from his usual place next to mine.

'He was a great fellow and will be sorely missed, but this is no
surprise'.

I try to reach out and help.

But for the last time I am unable to move.