Seth’s World View

Dim streetlights reveal pale shadows
creeping on the cold brick sidewalk below.
A dark blue phantom sneaks into view,
it’s mission known to very few.
Surrounding it are the unclean,
who seek to fill their emptiness,
to be touched by the hands of love.

A man stands against a pole,
wearing an old Cowboys jersey,
faded blue jeans, and
air-conditioned Jordans.
In his eyes lies hurt
and fear, but these are barely visible
beneath his tough exterior.

In the crowd, i see a lady, much older
than the rest, sitting in solitude
on one of the benches. i hand her a cup
of warm no-name coffee, and begin
conversation with a person
i’ve never met.

On a corner nearby,
a church opens it doors.
For tonight, they worshipped God,
and now they leave to find rest.
Among them are a man and woman,
He in a gray pinstriped suit,
she in a black sequinned dress.
Giving the crowd a quick glance, they turn
to pass by on the opposite side.
Rushing, running to their new
red sports car, returning home
where they will drink hot chocolate with
marshmallows, then retreat to bed.

The lady in front of me smiles
through time-worn skin and long, gnarled hair,
telling me of city politics and
how things used to be.
Her dirty purple pants contrast with
her orange t-shirt and tattered brown jacket.
Not knowing where her body will lay or
what will calm her stomach tomorrow,
she expresses hope, believing
one day her search will be over.
Finished, she looks deep into my eyes and asks,
“What about you?”

April 18, 1998
Grantham, PA