Chance encounters scratch indelible on my mind
Pebbles unmoved by stream’s swift currents
I came upon him astride park bench in oak’s shadow, ragged cap said “VFW,” bated breath and shiny shoes, untied their knotted laces, took my eyes, “Morning sir, a moment here find my breath before another mile,” and wishing not detain him, took my leave, despaired how far he had to go.