A Cold and Dark December Night

There he was sitting alone on the wooden seats
outside of the bus station.

He was waiting for the #9 bus in the freezing cold.
His tattered jacket hung on his shoulders,
his clothes in disarray.

He was staring blindly into the night.
As the freezing winds blew through him,
he was shivering.
He looked like he hadn't eaten in many a day.

So I walked close to him and he said:
"I got no more deadlines to meet, no job anymore!"
"I've very little hope left inside of me!"
"Lost my wife, my kids and no one will care if
I miss this bus."
"I have nothing to live for!"

I reach for his hand and startle him with
my tender touch.
He had so much sadness in his eyes.
I hoped my touch would bring him warmth.

Our eyes meet and I can see his pain.
Tears roll down his cheeks.

As I hand him my handkerchief, he quivers inside
and thanks me for my kindness.

I place some money in his hand along with my
lunch bag.

He turns and says to me:
"Stranger, you have given me more than anyone
has in months."
"God Bless!"  He shouts to me as I smile and turn,
then walk away.

"He just did!"  I replied.
Disappearing into the cold and dark
December night.

Copyright c Susan Elaine Graves