In the Public Bathroom This Morning

Next to me, an old man, his fingers yellowed and brown.
I hear him wheeze,
Polypropylene serpent slithering to his nose
Supplying breath and life,
It seems more a leash to me, an unwanted restraint.

I wonder briefly at the path that brought him here
And am ashamed that I judge;
Ashamed for we all have our vices
And have made our mistakes.

We finish together and I hold open the door for him;
He graciously thanks me
And exits down the hall,
Cart-wheels squeaking,
Their mournful cry filling my hollowed-out soul.

I exit subdued and diminished.





***************