April 10 NaPoMo 2021

[Keith]

Street Angel

I heard the club close behind me
as I made my way to the taxi rank.
Drunk and wearing a kebab
hands in pockets, legs like Elvis.
The night was too cold for snow
but enough flakes
to make me focus.

I could see him across the street
curled in a doorway,
his cargo bag held like a child,
thin ankles poked into heavy boots.
A wire haired Jack Russell slept by his head
I though it was a white hat until it moved.

I could see these birds frozen,
falling still from a dark branch,
then an outstretched hand
gently touch his shoulder.
I could see his head lift
he was given a blanket, some soup
and conversation from a man
who put his arm around him.

I closed my eye's, not for the first time,
and he was gone.
I smiled beyond the night sky
as it spat out its snow flurry
lit by street lamps to make me blink.
A pigeon feather dislodged from
a high ledge above the shops
gently swayed its way down
to land at my feet.

Get lost, I said looking up again,
my Nan would have bought that
but I need more convincing.
I said it, but part of me knew
I was lying to myself
and for some reason,
talking to someone else.