Meeting Lewis on the Max

(he points to his
muddy jeans)

I am
a caretaker

a plant doctor

(he laughs and shakes his head)

I live
in the basement of my aunt Bess

She was there for me
After Nam

I don't like to speak about it much

all the dead
all the dead

she passed
I stayed

I still
live there
down below

just off Broadway

I rent the rest
for company

and
live on

just
live on

working every day
to grow
flowers

(he smiles)

and make them stay

colorful and bright
colorful and bright

(he got off at
at the first stop
on South West Fifth)


                   the sky spit droplets of cold rain
                   the sidewalks mirroring his walking reflection

                   as he turned to wave
                   farewell

Copyright 2011 Alain Millon