Shame

Shame

Jesus
Trust the council
To put a home for the elderly
Next to a main road
And a train station
I stamp on the breaks
And try to resist the urge
To brush past in my car
I'm late to work
I have things to do
Not wait here
While the oldies cross the road

He's bent in half
Collapsed over a Zimmer frame
I'm amazed they've let him out
Even though he's got a helper
My tax pound paying
To delay my own journey

I stare as I pass
His helper catches my eye
She's old, like him
He struggles over
The council neglected pathway
His feet are bent the wrong ways
One he uses on its side
The other twists around behind
Balancing on five toes
Like a ballerina

She looks to me
Through me
Her hand on his
Tears almost
But not quite forming