thoughts on the wind

slice of life

the tiniest details can tell you a lot about a person.
for example, as you stare at the figure leaning on the
lampost.

the clothes, not old, but well worn, hang off
a skinny frame
jutting hips and wrists
not poor, but not rich

maybe anorexic. the clothes
aren't ripped. the shirt, a faded blue,
has remnants of buttons.
all popped off now.

the gray t-shirt beneath
has a faded black logo. writing
probably a store or a business
it's very obviously comfortable and often worn and washed

the ripped black jeans with worn cuffs and

red and black sneakers, the nike swoosh on them
peeling off

but more than all of that?

the thing most telling
his face

creased with smile lines
crinkles at the corners of his eyes.
he isn't old.
but his face is haggard
lost joy visible

his brown eyes have faded with his clothes
his black hair unkempt and long at the edges

his lips are thin and droop, unhappiness visible in every line
though previously happy

could he have lost his job?
his family?
maybe he got addicted to drugs
or someone died

whatever his story, you know he will appreciate
the warm cookies and food you give him
and his face smiles
once more.