he enters the church basement where the food is given out
he quietly moves toward a corner seat
as he makes his way
he notices a half-filled book shelf
he makes a selection
he carries it with him
as he seats himself and rests
he examines the book
he eyes the binding
he takes in the vintage scent
he opens the book and fans the pages
there is a smile upon his face
the food is ready to be served
as he rises he tucks the book under his arm
and he makes his way to the counter
upon his return
he sets everything just right
and he slowly digests both the food and the contents of the pages
the smile is deeper now
after he has eaten
he closes the book
and returns it to its place among the others
he exits slowly into the vast darkness that is his everyday
tonight he is homeless
but not alone