The warmth of sun
In winter's cold--
Mealtime, indoors,
Back to the window,
Simply absorbing--and I
See him again--

Exposed--a frontal view--
Rosy pink, and that
Manly wash of tan--
Alone on the bank,
Basking on a dry shingle bed,
'Neath naked winter trees.

"Hardly a temptation," I thought,
"And a wart?"
Raw jeans pulled low,
Worn coat thrown wide.

Outdoor winter, I know--
Even January camp as
Lingering bivouac
(Unfathomed reality and fire)--
But homeless and hungry
In relentless cold?

I left him in the sun,
But I did not walk alone.

11/17/2014

Author's Note: Unexpected on Piery's Shore.

Posted on 11/17/2014
Copyright © 2024 Leonard M Hawkes