• Winter in Kodiak, a time of little light.
    The snow brightens the ground and the stars light up the night.
    A cluster of Spruce sag deep, a drift in front of my car.
    My heart weighs heavy. Thoughts of relatives afar.
    A blustery wind blows, north then south.
    A cold winter thirst, warm java for my mouth.
    A homeless man sleeps, all bundled in clothes.
    His heart deep with thoughts of past Christmas woes.
    A handshake, a smile, a sip of my coffee.
    A friend in waiting, I became to he.
    Some food from the shelter, a warm place to rest.
    His life for the moment, felt happy and blessed.
    He told me the stories of days long ago.
    My full attention, he required, to him I happily bestowed.
    A veteran of the war, a father of four.
    A long distance call seemed to matter no more.
    The blanket of stars and the snow under his feet,
    only brought back memories of a scar so deep.
    A story from my life, I understood his loss.
    To spend Christmas without family, there's no greater cost.
    One more handshake. A "man-hug" goodbye.
    His face looked of worry, wondered if I would be back tonight.
    A job in Kodiak sometimes is so rare.
    But I am happy to tell you, where I work is here.
    A smile, a thought, the lending of an ear.
    A thousand times more helpful than a frozen tear.