He leans a hand against the wall
to keep from falling so far
that he forgets where he originated
he hangs his head between strong shoulders
and cradles love in his palm
he's a steady man, a good man
two children with apple cheeks
and cherry-stem smiles
a wife who runs marathons
to prove her marriage isn't failing
a blustering father who spins like a top
and then falls still and harmless again
my sneakers look dirty and worn
standing on this cold tile floor next to his
I can hear his breath hitch
her feet are pounding the pavement
and I see his pulse race to catch up
his eyes meet mine and...