FORTUNATE?

Blanket mass outside station              

I noticed in the rain

Hastings my destination

But had missed early morning train

Cleanly shaved boyish face

Foppish hair and dark sad eyes

Made me take a backward pace;

Examine mound behind disguise

Concerned at what lay underneath

Surprised by my interest

He smiled at me through yellow teeth

And passed my safety test

Not much older than my son

But he had lived a life

He had once been a someone

Till lost job, home and wife

Politely asked for cigarette

I offered him ten quid

And I doubt will ever forget

His refusal of my bid

Though he was resistant

I pushed the note in hand

And guess was so persistent

As there was common strand

I admired his pride

Noted lack of bitterness

Compared my own inside

And questioned who had less