The Baglady`s Shadow

Two brown carrier bags-thats all she had!

One bore the remnants of yesterday`s dreams

The other a store of today`s necessities.

I thought it sad and watched a while.

She turned and caught my eye.

Trapped! I tried to smile-to comprehend

What tortuous path had led her here.

Where were those who should be near

To ease her anguished years?

She shuffled towards me

Tattered trainers, bandage bound;

Grasped my hand in both of hers.

Instinctively I stiffened,

Then unwound and listened,

Captured by her words :

"Don`t grieve for what you think you see,

This is just a shadow of the girl I used to be.

Look into my eyes and see reflected there

A past that dulls the pain through days of care"