Down

(July 14, 2008)

Looking down all he saw
was concrete
merely millimeters
from his glazed eyes.

Cracked and bleeding toenails
scratched the rough surface
trying to regain
lost footing.

Calloused fingertips fumbled
for a hold,
grasping at pebbles,
digging in sand.

And his spittle oozed
over dried
and crusted lips
onto the hot pavement.

No one saw or cared to see
or dared to be
the one who cared
enough to lift.