The Insane Stranger a poem I wrote back in 2010

http://voices.yahoo.com/the-insane-stranger-5525595.html?cat=10




The Insane Stranger




The Insane Stranger
I went for a walk yesterday, along a crowded street.


 
So many people, walking and talking, all pounding the city sidewalks with their feet-
Holding your hand I looked up at the tall buildings, skyscrapers touching the sky.





Turning my attention around I notice a new man walking along forgetting in public not to cry-
As I watch this man, he begins to talk to some invisible personality.



Looking right past me he waves at some unseen entity.
Turning I look to see, but no one is there.


 
Listening to him ramble on and on, I try not to stare.
Finally I can't help myself and I ask "excuse me, but to whom do you speak?"



 
 
Turning eyes of glass to me, his voice seems now somehow but a squeak.
Amazement shows in his face, turning to me once again, he stares.


 
Finally he speaks his voice a little stronger now, as from his soul his story begins to tear.
First he looks up at the towering sky scrapers, to the clear blue sky, the day fast turning to night.


 
His voice quavering, grows steadily stronger as he begins his tale, intently I listen to the strangers plight.
Forgotten and alone, he's invented many a friend to whom he speaks each and every day.


 
Hearing only the echo's of memories in his mind, he relives his past as he walks along the way.
Crazy old man, that's what everyone calls him, no one even stops to say hi.


 
Having no living family or friend to call his own, he speaks at length of days gone by.
Entertaining he was, I'd listen much longer than I'd intended I extend my hand to my new friend-


 
Laughing he disappears, suddenly I see my reflection in the store window, the stranger so insane already knew my end.
Turning around, once again, I see the sky is blue; clouds are dancing on buildings ever so high.


 
My invisible friend where had he gone, he'd spoke to me for quite some time, before he'd laughed and bid me fare the well, and good bye.
A stranger so insane stares back at me from the window glass.


 
Turning I wave as I walk on pass...
Stepping beside my friend I begin to chat.


 
We talk of all times past, we talk of time no more, finally I walk up the apartment steps, wiping my feet on the welcome mat.
The man at the front desk takes my hand and guides me once again down the hall.


 
But...I say, I just went for a walk couldn't you see I was talking to that man over there the one so tall.
Calmly the doctor takes my hand, and says, it was only a dream. You have not permission to leave this place.


 
Soon I turn looking into the window, seeing a reflection in the window glass, it seems it should be my face.



Insanity it stares back at me.
Watching my every move, the stranger within, caged and confined within my body how can it flee.