I saw a man whose silent walk
Brought my eyes to tears
On his face I saw the fears
I saw his pain
I saw a life without gain.
He wasn’t old in years
But worn out by life
His body so beaten
He could barely stand.
I watched as he tried to walk across the street
Trying to beat
The traffic coming fast
His legs were badly bent
His arms all-askew
I sat in my car and watched
Wondering what I should do.
In one hand he held a cane
Which he used to steady his gait
He stood there
All he could do was wait.
No one slowed the least
No one but me was observing this feat.
For a minute the traffic cleared
And step-by-step he slowly moved
All the while his legs
Barely held him up
His pace was slow
And I don’t know
If he made it that day.
The traffic was moving
So I had to move too
I wish I knew
But I wish more than that
I wish I had parked
And walked with him
And shared his day
Had something nice to say
Put an arm around his shoulder
Maybe held his hand in mine
I’m going back to that same spot
I’ve a feeling that he’ll be there
And I will not drive away
Until he sees my face
Feels how much I care
And knows he is not alone
This I will do today.