Empathy Misplayed - Oct. 2, 2024

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