• Winter in Alaska, a time of little light.
    The snow brightens the ground and the stars light up the night.
    A cluster of trees sag deep, a drift in front of the car.
    My heart weighs heavy. Thoughts of relatives afar.
    A burst of wind blows, north then south.
    A cold winter thirst, warm cocoa 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 cocoa.
    A friend in waiting, I became to this bro.
    Some food from the shelter, a warm place to rest.
    His life for the moment, felt happy and no longer depressed.
    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 hug goodbye.
    His face looked of worry, wondered if I would be back tonight.
    A job in Alaska 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.