INTO DARKNESS
At Monday morning Mass a man sits nearby,
A man alone and a million miles away.
Eyes vacant, head bent, forehead on his fist.
He looks at his feet
At the Sign of Peace.
I think to ask if he is alright.
He lingers after Mass. I watch and wait.
He leaves, a hand in his coat pocket.
I genuflect and follow him out.
He walks towards town, I walk the other way.
Minutes are hours. I stop. I turn around.
I am going to help him.
He stares through a shop window, one last hope in his hand.
Then a flash and he sees the light.
And into darkness I fall.
Fall and fall into morning Mass,
Alone and a million miles away,
Eyes vacant, head bent, forehead on my fist.
