Metal Guru

by Christine Holden
(UK)

Nicely turned out
He sits unflinching
Doesn’t care for company
On the other hand…
Fixed expression
He gives nothing away
Holding his cane as
Steadfast as his stare
A passer by stoops against the northerly wind
He remains frozen
Leaves rustle and hustle
Bunching at the bench
A soldier in camouflage
He doesn’t kick them
Just sits, bowler hat squat
Joined by a young girl
Face flushed with the frost
She links arms
His heart melts.