beard absorbs tears
pondering the years
feeling all alone
far from home


friends come
friends go
lovers turn to foe


faces pass
without a glance
strangers
one and all


I retreat
find solace
asphalt and brick
traded
for trees and grass


far from home
clouds gone
sky filled with
twinkling stars
no sounds
of rushing cars


flames dance
embers fly
somewhere into the night sky