The Invisible Man

The old man sits

with his back to the wall

collar pulled up and

cap pulled down

fighting for warmth

He holds a paper

cup in his trembling hand -

three quarters and a dime

as the people walk by

unaware of his predicament

they hurry to get out

of winter's way

He watches their feet

in shiny leather shoes

and high-heeled boots

always in a hurry to

get somewhere

Remembering that

distant life he swallows hard

against the sand in his throat

and the fear

in his heart