I was crossing over the pedestrian bridge
when I spied him on the other side
with two bags

Glancing down at my watch
trying not to break stride
I moved a little to the right
to allow room to pass
as we got closer together

His toothless grin
caught me off guard
and words uttered
pulled me to a stop
pace forgotten

I took in his thin face
long stringy hair
and twinkling blue eyes

Before I could say anything
he raised his hands
each holding a plastic bag
shaking them for emphasis

His missing teeth caused his words
to come out with a lisp
“If you see my family
tell them I’m on my way home”

For the briefest moment
I thought he could read my mind
wondering who is this
vagabond kid?

I returned his smile
assured him I would
pass along his message
and resumed my run
haunted by his happy eyes
I wondered
how could I keep my promise