The Derelict

In a dim narrow cobbled alley,

A young boy,

You are, alone.

You glimpse a man,

A derelict,

Shaggy hair, filthy beard and in rags.

With fierce eyes.

He walks towards you.

His footsteps like iron

On the cobbled ground

They sound.

He swings heavy chain

From wall to wall

As he approaches

So determined

Eyes fixed on you.

Your heart pounds

Like the beat of drums

And your knees quiver

Like the wings of a bat.

No way to retreat

Or pass him by.

You move so slowly

A show of bravery

Against the chain that

Like the snap of a branch

By the flash of lightning,

Will crack your legs.

You close your eyes

And wish

As in a dream,

A puff of cloud

Or soothing breeze

You are.

And then abruptly

The beat of the chain

Against the walls

Ceases.

You open your eyes

So carefully

To see the man

Few feet away,

The fierce look

To a tender smile

Transformed

As he gathers his chain

So gently,

And passes you by.