To a Stranger and All Future Strangers

I have nothing to offer you

stranger walking ahead of me

Shuffle on in your intrepid garb

I am no longer so arrogant as to think
that we are somehow unequal

that I should have spoken to you
that you need me
more than I need you
A silent compulsion given up

The end of guilt, arrogance
responsibility for strangers

and the illusion of my own importance

I have nothing to offer you

so here we walk

sharing the same pavement

All I have is myself

A shape in your peripheral vision

A simple piece of scenery

An ant in your garden

Background in the humongous story

that you tell yourself

everyday

That is all I have to offer you

only what you've asked for

And for once I am

happy

to play my part