As I sip my morning coffee
In the local café-bar
I see the same Gentleman
every day, he sits opposite me
in the same old leather chair
removing his flat cap
as every gentleman does
I often wonder
why he always sits in the same place?
you see, his wife died many year ago
but to him, she’s right there
sitting next to him
I can just see it, in his eyes
every time he sits down
it’s as if
he is sitting down next to her
when he looks out of the window
even on rainy days
it’s as if he is looking out at her
and when it’s time for him to leave
he puts on his flat cap once more
and heads back out, into the busy street
his right elbow bending
his darling wife
on the end of his arm
the thing that strikes me most about him
is his very kind smile
and in turn…
the smile he brings to me.