Deep in the doorway

Back pushed to the wall

Coat pulled tight and I am cold

Cold in my bones

But colder in my heart

Colder still in my soul

So alone

The hunger I can cope with

The cold I will cope with

So many people

Young and old

Walk past me

Seeing only shop windows

Vying for the expensive but shallow gifts

To be oohhed and ahhed

To be left and forgotten

I feel like that present

Once briefly cherished

Then replaced by the next

I refuse to cry

Self pity is a dangerous tread

The shops are closing

Pubs are filling

Shoppers replaced by rejoicing drinkers

A couple give me two pounds and a coffee

Their kindness is dangerous

It can make you expect

And that is not good

This night is the coldest

A young man stands before me

Clear eyes and a smile

Crouches

A hand extended to take mine

Why I take it I know not

With unexpected strength I stand

His eyes to mine

He tilts his head from the doorway

And I trust him

Unexpected warmth in my body

The weight on my shoulders

The burden in my heart

Gone

A last look to the doorway

My doorway

And the huddled body it keeps for itself