October Rain

She stands with arms outstretched wide and spinning,

I stand on the walk, waiting for the train;

She tilts her head back, laughing and grinning

In the beginning of October rain.

Her mother crouches near a fence, huddling,

I look, noticing the wet cardboard sign;

She takes the child to help warm her, cuddling,

Her back against the wind, feeling resigned.

From a backpack she takes a worn sweater,

The best she can do against the cold air;

Lovingly she puts it on her daughter,

I climb aboard the train on the wet stair.

Sitting near the heater, I’m warm again,

She’s still dancing in the October rain.

January 2009