The addict and the saint

stood outside

on the winter solstice.

ignoring the stars.


Around them suburban ranch homes

turned their lights inward,

doors locked,


and the addict took everything

the saint could give,

both smiling,


shivering a bit,

with nowhere to go,

no plans.


They had found each other.

It was the holidays.

Everyone else


giving and receiving

just enough to get by.