Small of stature
long dark hair
friend of a friend
a little forlorn
look in his eyes
that sadness it
penetrates deep into the soul

I drove by
He was standing there
against that wall
he peered into the car
I waved
Climb inside
Where do you want to go?
Do you need a ride?

I knew that street
that corner
standing against that wall
I knew those boys weren’t
peering into cars
looking for me
they were peering into
cars looking for ….

But this friend of a friend
Why him? Why there?
Do you have a place
to stay tonight?
No? That’s terrible!
Working the streets
no place to go
Have you eaten?
No? That’s terrible!
Working the streets
no place to go

I have a little food
I’ll share with you
and a couch
and a blanket
Stay with me tonight

But where is he now?
His name was Steve
I look for him
on that corner now
Where did he go?

His name was Steve
Don’t tell me things happen
No! That’s terrible!
Working the streets
no place to go

Original poem by Laura Lane, First published in the Hamilton Mountain Writers Guild Anthology Volume V 2021

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