23rd street
I.
Eyes that bring to mind soulful
curly hair
honey-colored skin with cinnamon freckles
long limbs curled inward
covered by a sheet
sometimes white
occasionally pink
oddly clean
no hint of the infamous odor
that trails the homeless
daily reminder to the subway riders
it could always be worse
he smiles when he sees me
even with his eyes
that seem to say
a smile will do.
II.
I was just thinking about you
he said
I smiled, thinking, me too
oddly true
daily routine
passing by on my way
up the stairs
into the light of day
while he remained
in the dim
dirty subway
with his cup
and sign
and sheet
waiting for
a coin
a piece of food
a smile
to remind him
he’s not a lump
of rotting flesh
to be covered
avoided
and ignored.
III.
One day,
he sat
with eyes closed
completely still
covered by his sheet
up to his neck
cup sitting on his lap
along with his sign
and a rotting banana
someone gave
and I was sad
wondering where he was
behind his closed eyes
and if
it was
a better place.
IV.
I wish
I were kinder
that
I could have offered
friendship
and not just
a friendly smile
a kind word
but I did not
and now
it is too late
for weeks
have passed
his spot
has remained
empty
he is
gone
and
I cannot
help
but wonder
if he
is in
a better place.