Photograph ©Copyright 1992 by John-Ward Leighton
Cover of Chap Book, "Concrete Pillow"

DOG SOLDIERS OF THE PAVEMENT

Spirit dancer,
the rain beads on my leather
as you pass me on the street.
Matted hair and eyes too shiny,
your ragged pants flapping
around your ankles and worn out shoes.
You pass muttering soft entreaties
to spirits only you can see.
The crowd passes, umbrellas high
leaving
"Ain't it a shame,"
looks in their wake.
In the vanguard of the invisible
you slop along
the water in your shoes
making slurping sounds
to punctuate the babble pouring
from your lips.
I watch your receding back
and try to imagine
the devils dancing in your head.
You without the rent or any payment
looking, looking, looking,
somewhere
for the
dog soldiers of the pavement.

©Copyright December 22, 1992 by John-Ward Leighton

Author’s Note: 22 December 1992; Yale Hotel, Vancouver BC
An excerpt from my chap book "Concrete Pillow"