A Cold and Dark December Night

There he was sitting alone in the wooden seats outside of the bus station.
He was waiting for the #9 bus in the freezing cold.

His tattered jacket hung on his shoulders,
his clothes in disarray.
He was staring blindly into the night.
As the freezing winds blew through him, he was shivering.

He looked like he hadn't eaten in many a day.
So I walked close to him and he said:
"I got no more deadlines to meet, no job anymore!"
"I've very little hope left inside of me!"
"Lost my wife and my kids, no one will know or care if I miss this bus."
"I have nothing to live for!"

I reach for his hand and startle him with my tender touch.
He has so much sadness in his eyes.
I hope my touch would bring him warmth.

Our eyes meet and I can see his pain.
Tears roll down his cheeks.
As I hand him my handkerchief, he quivers inside and thanks me for my kindness.

I place some money in his hand along with my lunch bag.

He turns and says to me:
"Stranger, you have given me more than anyone has in months."
"God Bless!" He shouts out to me as I smile and turn, then walk away.

"He just did!" I replied.
Disappearing into the cold and dark
December night.

Copyright c Susan Elaine Graves