Man Down

It was 5:09 pm on September first,

It had been a warm day and

Was just cooling off,

I was in the Portfolio Cafe

Getting my usual black iced tea,

Two policemen were on the

Northwest corner, opposite the café,

Standing above a small, young man

With dark glasses.

He was seated on the ground.

They all appeared to be conversing,

As call in’s were made.

Inside the café - I asked,

What did he do - Jay-walk?

One barista said ..”oh no

He was just in here and could

Barely stand up or talk”.

The other barista said

“Thereby but for the grace

Of God go you or I” -

As I walked to my car,

The domino-playing crew outside

Craned their necks to

See what was happening next,

And I wished the young man

Well.

After all, it was another day

In the city of Long Beach.

9/1/11