The Man by the Lamppost

The crowd parts just in time for the show

Bags held tight, hands covering their noses 

His presence is announced by the smoke hanging around him like a robe

Although he's encased in light, 

he's never felt more alone than there

Exposed under its glare 

His darkest secrets were always laid bare, 

so he didn't know shame

What he longed for was the privilege to share

To be asked his name, his story

How it felt to be hungry 

and how he never wasted a single penny

But he'd trade them all for a friend.