A SHAWL AROUND HER SHOULDERS
She wore an old shawl around her shoulders, that was all,
Nowhere nearly warm enough as the snow began to fall,
A dirty battered ratting cap to cover her straggly white hair,
A long skirt soaked at the bottom, no gloves did she wear.
It was like looking back in history to an earlier time,
Like some big city when they were full of dirt and grime,
I offered to buy her a warm drink and soup or other food,
She smiled a toothless grin and then nodded in gratitude.
Dirty gnarled hands clutched the bowl, she used no spoon,
Then wiped the dish with a bun, she started to sing a tune,
Some old Christmas melody her voice was rich and deep,
The folks in the café one by one listened and began to weep.
Money was collected as they heard her wistful, sad song,
Begging in the hostile street this woman did not belong.
Then thinking there are many who are homeless have to stay
On the pitiless streets as they remember a much better day.
(Millicent) Ann Margetson 29 December 2004
2004/4283/shawl/achieve/trials