Tea break

A man sits with a walking cane on disused steps

his pale skin is flushed with exertion

some pass & thinking him a beggar

avoid his plaintive expression


his legs have failed him

yet a brief space of rest

is all he needs to gather the strength

to make it back to his work desk


watery eyes and pallid skin

tell but part of his story

he is bowed, but not yet beaten

this illness is killing him

his disease is as much mental as physical

although he is winning the former battle

if not the latter


with a whine of pain

he swings into an upright position

then stumps back toward work

tea break over

                * * * * *
 
A woman sits in her wheelchair
 
smoking during her morning tea break

half a woman

she is dog-shaped torso

stunted arms thalidomide legs

in child sized chair.


Those who know her

smile & pass greetings

those who don't, try to hide

stares & morbid curiosity

she is different

she is to be pitied

she is not whole

a broken thing.


The whole and perfect pedestrians

pass judgement like movie critics:

they do not like it & will not watch it

some see her strength & marvel

face bravely the prospect

of being in her position

yet none arrive at a satisfactory conclusion.


she is different

this nameless woman

with brilliant hair

& eyes as sharp as grass blades

putting precious life into perspective.