Poem: Before the Meeting

Before the Meeting

The old guy waited
on the bench alone.

As the room filled up,
men in middle aged
slapped each others’ backs,
asking about work
and the ski season.
Their wives smiled and said,
”It has been too long!”
and, “Did you loose weight?”
They chirp and bubble.
They light up like dogs
meeting in a park.

This all happens near,
but miles away from,
the old guy sitting
alone on the bench.
The rising social
energy raises
the temperature
until the old man
begins to look parched.

Just when all seemed lost,
one man came forward,
wearing a cheap suit.
He lowered himself
to the sitting man
and held out his hand.
The old man took it
with both of his hands—
one over the top,
the other below.
Hi lit up and drank.

---