Down the tracks

A hand is given
as a warm embrace
in an orphan’s home,
and a bruised face
cries in the shadows
of the flickering light
by the fire.

A hand is held
on a lonely road,
and a weak smile
helps with the heavy load
that they carry
under a sun too bright
for their eyes.

A hand lets go
on a railroad track,
and a tear is savoured
to be given back
- one day when they
dance in the night -
as a kiss.