matt aben - hello stranger

I do the norm.
Stare him down.
Try and break him down in my mind
Who are you, why are you here, what are you like.

I start with how he holds himself
Beat down, heavy, as if he carries the truth of his pathetic life on his back
His clothes designer, old and dirty hang on his once fit body
His hair shaggy and full of dirt

He speaks as if knowing what I’m thinking
“Hello stranger” says the man
The voice is raspy, torn and unsure
The lips it comes from dry and cut

I’ve never made it this far before to look into his eyes
They are shallow with confusion
My brain is contemplating and pondering why
Who is this man? Why have I let him turn to this?

I’ve thought enough about it today
Flush the toilet turn of the light step back from the mirror
“who am I” says I “I am a stranger”

By: Matt Aben

matt aben

http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/hello-stranger-5/