The day was cold and damp
Like a beggars outstretched palm
“I’m hungry, not eaten for two days,”
Mumbled, jumbled words from cracked lips
“Come with me. I’ll get you breakfast.”
And I took him to a cafe
“Full English for him and cappuccino
For me!” I commanded (very pleased with myself)
Bacon, two eggs, fried bread and mushrooms
Soon appeared. He stared. Paralysed
By a cider ravaged, wrecked, stomach
Rebelling against non- liquid food
Returning swallows brought African sunshine
Promises of a better world flew past.