I saw that guy again on my walk today
We are at the point when we pass
That a pursed lip smile
Will suffice
Or a nod
When, I wonder, will the relationship progress
To where I have to say hello
I saw that woman with the cart today
Wearing all that she owns (clothes that is)
Tattered coat, even though it’s warm outside
Worn out shoes
On tired feet
When will I feel obliged
To offer…anything
I saw that child with the others today
With matching daycare vests
Tugging dandelions off to the side
With a smile
Only he knows
Why he is
The center of his own attention
I saw that girl with the dog today
We often pass each other
Today I was running
When I passed her she was crying
Only I kept going
Was none of my business I told myself
Though I wonder.
Photo by Leon Stevens
Leon Stevens is an author, composer, guitarist, and an artist with a Bachelor of Music and Education. He published his first book of poetry Lines by Leon: Poems, Prose, and Pictures in January 2020, followed by a book of original classical guitar compositions, Journeys, and a short story collection of science fiction/post-apocalyptic tales called The Knot at the End of the Rope and Other Short Stories.
His current projects include a second collection of poems called, A Wonder of Words, and two novellas based on a short story from The Knot at the End of the Rope. Visit his website at: www.linesbyleon.com
Update: Leon has an additional novella out titled The View from Here, that is available as a paperback and Kindle version. To keep up with any future projects of his, you can visit the Books and Merch page on his website.
To read “Passersby”, a poem by Joy also about strangers walking past, click here.
The Yellow Brick Ave 
Thanks for posting. I thought it matched up with you poem quite well. I forgot that we talked about this in December, so my current projects are outdated. I’m happy to announce that my novella, The View from Here, is out in paperback and the Kindle version will be released Jan 20.
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