I sleep behind you, <br />resting my head <br />and being silent <br />your entire night. <br />Yet, uninvited, <br />I suffer guilt <br />and wonder if <br />there ever be <br />a chance <br />for you <br />to notice me. <br />I walk around the mall, <br />see you <br />every day, <br />feeding the birds <br />sitting pretty <br />on a bench <br />at Pershing's Square. <br />It helps me dream <br />about the way <br />it could have been? <br />If for a fleeting moment <br />you could rest your eyes <br />(most beautiful of all) <br />in my direction <br />I would be, <br />a happy man. <br />But I am homeless, <br />have not shaved <br />nor do I smell <br />the way I used to. <br />I thank my God <br />that he allows me to <br />admire and adore <br />the great perfection <br />that is you. <br />And I will sleep <br />a dozen winks <br />behind you, dear. <br />You will not see <br />nor feel <br />that I am ever there. <br />But I, <br />I surely will.<br /><br />Herbert Nehrlich<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/right-behind-you/
