illuminating the shadow

for Kaz

You offered me a smile
when I stopped to speak
I guess it was all you had
to give away.  But I will carry
your smile with me and hold
it close.  You were wrapped

in your duvet and woolly hat
clutching a small handful of
change. I was wrapped in my
concern for direction clutching
a device designed to connect.

You asked me for nothing. In
those precious minutes our
worlds collide.  You will have
forgotten my face in the crowd
that passes you by.  But I will carry
your smile with me and hold it close.

For I dared to turn aside from
the world across the street with
the well heeled whose eyes don’t
break their focussed concern

Amidst it all:
I heard you cry.  ‘Scuse me?
And your gift, a simple smile
carries me on, lightens my heart.