drenched in blue moonlight 
I admired her through
the sheet of smoke
in the gap between us

Carefully I
swayed and our arms
greeted with a gentle graze


"I tend to see the glass as half empty–
sometimes completely."

Sudden words drew me
like water from a well

A cigarette pinched by
the uneven crescents of her lips
pulsated, her sallow face
awash in a delicious red glow

"Either way, it's a beautiful glass,
isn't it?"

time nonexistent
She fumbled another
to a faintly open mouth
I lit it in silence

I watch the waves
Crashing down below
I see the lighthouse
Lighting up the snow

I watch the sunset
Slipping out of sight
Silhouettes before me
Boats drift into the night

I watch the stars intently
As colour fills my eyes
Tears released by beauty
By natures own surprise

Stepping out into the cold
Beaten limbs, feeling old
His home upon his back
Just ten years since Iraq

Paper sheets and plastic bags
Warming body holding rags
His bottle lacking wine
Drinking passed the time

Daily grind pass him by
No one stops or wonders why
His lips are a shade of blue

Tight fist clutched to chest
A hero soldier came to rest
Upon a cold dark street
He fell beneath your feet

A winter's soldier died alone
Buried deep below the stone
Tortured by the war
His mind could not ignore

If only we could stand beside
Help our heroes, show our pride
Then we can help to save
The wounded and the brave