I glance upon the shops once more,
remembering the life I led within,
and walk down life's unhappy way
that takes me from my gray-bricked home.

That store was more than just a place
to be looked at, lived in, ignored;
he was my father, sister, brother,
mother; guiding angel in the dark.

He sang me lullabies so sweet
to make me sleep when nights were long.
He hugged me when I cried so hard
that crying made me feel ashamed.

I swipe a globe of salty sadness
from off my weepy, transient cheek
and walk from home and friend and mother,
keeping calm as untouched snowdrifts.

While walking, my thoughts slip away
just like the gust of customers
and leaves me parted from my store
just like a leaf rent from its tree.