Chester

he hums hymns of Jesus
as they pass
low guttural breath
resonating through
his barrel body
he hums hymns of Jesus
as they pass
on their way to work
quickened pace
as they pass
he hums hymns of Jesus
between whispering
‘good morning’
through blue lips
in December
as they pass
he hums hymns of Jesus
in July
keeping cool in the shade
of the deserted
Army Navy building
sweat trickles down his lip
as they pass
he hums hymns of Jesus
as years pass
standing on a corner
selling papers
dimes for dinners
as they pass
he hums hymns of Jesus