Empty bars and reserved stalls
fill the stillness of nothing much
as the flocks of slight interest
prepare to arrive but never do
so the random sits, always alone
ripping beer matts and his heart
whilst remembering that time in Delhi -
an ear wash, 10 rupee cheap,
which for all of the loud, lonely noise
remains his biggest regret.

Should another
turn on to your course
like I,
they’ll warm in your glow,
for humble smiles of heart
in dusty paths of strangers
rarely arrive with
the pleasure
of compassionate company
so far from home.