I watch the walk-n-talk social group
spill out of the senior center to become
a neighborly swarm on the sidewalk
pulling up the rear a man walks
seemingly unnoticed by the jibber jabbers
or maybe he’s having his own conversation
people do that connect with themselves to
hammer out social theories share confused moments
or confide in the one they know they can trust
and with yourself it’s not like
gossip between friends
it’s serious talk with a good listener
perhaps my empathy is misplaced
the head down and foot dragging
could mean he’s on to something
an insight that will have him turn
at the next street
away from all the chatter
whistle straighten up and smile
as he heads directly home
knowing exactly what he must do
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