in the street bum’s hands,
the vacant building
where he slept…
the plow, the harness,
and the old mule.
the needle laid down
for the final time.
the church left open
both day and night.
the unknown person
who paid the rent.
the old man who stopped
in the pouring rain,
and changed your tire
without a word.
the old woman who ran the mission,
the stray dog that never left.
the family farm, the old homeplace.
the tree neath which your mother lies.
the family’s tears, the preacher’s words,
the blanket and the broom…
the constant rhythm of the hammer,
the constant stillness of the rain!
as…
the old man facing death
who took his few belongings,
set them ablaze,
and danced naked
in the falling darkness!