one day you will be
bottom of the pile
do you want to be
trampled litter underfoot?
or have a hand extended
in acknowledgement
that you exist in this world?
a world of left behinds
look into their eyes
when you pass if you cannot
extend a dollar or hand
show them they are here
and you can see their flesh
their presence
their meaning
their life
cross-legged boundary between them
down turned eyes poured her heart
marking off her numbered list
mistakes tracked in her head
she needed no piece of paper
every misgiving remembered
her voice vibrated like when fear grips
he feel silent
listening with quiet heart
stark stillness in her closing line
she shifted her weight
laying now next to his feet
darkness rose behind closed eyes
he reached for her
taking her hand
knowing all her truths
he loved her more
hazel meadows 