Anonymous-He’s billet’s an empty doorway
on Union Street. Pillow a cracked step
with Warburton’s bread box-mattress
Anonymous-He’s red herring three stripes
three tours & a George Cross from Afghanistan
His Achilles Heel stored in the willow box
of Corporal MacDonald. Anonymous-He’s
blood’s thin as warfarin he looks at nobody
because not one looks at him with his wabbit
skin & bone. His khaki kitbag a beanbag
for one-eyed service dog Alfie, licking stubble
as juries scuttle past counting cracks
in pavements. They’re glad it’s not them
because Anonymous-He could be, might be
you or me with white or blue collars pushing
prams & trolleys — A pay cheque away
from a Warburton’s bread box-mattress
in any other doorway. Backs against the wall.
