Look the Other Way

I creep slowly along the darkened street,

Hobbling, tripping over frozen feet,

The buildings loom over, tall and proud,

I feel them jeering, all too loud,

An intersection appears, danger explodes,

I stop to adjust my heavy load

A sleek white predator roams so near

The very presence exciting fear

I stand frightened, my time is come

answering questions until I’m numb

I amble off to find my place,

Shame etched across my face

A darkened alley stretches across

I seek something to sooth my loss

A tight little hole to hide away

A nook or cranny to wait for day

I settle in, the chill gnawing deep

Into my very bones it strives to seep

My threadbare coat hangs all in rags

Defeated, my once proud shoulders sag