trying to get home

when

the old people stagger

out

and can't find their back home,

you wonder

when

it's your turn,

your turn

to spill your drink,

mumble,

and 

forget whatever it

is

you're trying

to remember.

and talk about.

you see them on the street,

beneath

the lamp post

of night.

in the bright sun,

in snow,

the wind.

sleet.

in their long coats, trying

to get back

to from they're from.