I nod, I say No

I say no
whatever you ask,
I say no
I’m sorry, but I don’t understand.

You point towards the street, the sky
it’s a thunderstorm out there
then you give me a look,
I see defeat, beat up by life
tired from being up, all night
exhausted
from walking all the way down
only to be told no
by an unknown man
much younger than you.

Does he not understand
we are drowning up there
does he not speak,
the language of humanity?
I see he is busy.

I speak, but he cannot comprehend
no translator around
so I accompany signs with the words
try to convey my apologies
I realise he wants something to cover
but we give out one,
then what about the other?
I want to give you, but also remind you
the the shop is closed
we have to prepare for new arrivals.

Why do you put your hands up young man
I see you have stuff back there
so please, just give me something
for the cold
you provide me with a seat, I wait….

You were probably not looking for this,
but it’s the best I can do
we have no rain coats and not allowed to provide
but we have big garbage bigs
it at least protects you a bit more
I see you are grateful, resigned to you fate
of not getting much help
but I hope my initial rejection
does not stick
even if it hasn’t turned to a yes

I nod
whatever you say
I nod
I don’t understand, but thank you.