Wintry Altruism

Snowfall heavy, blinding; in thin clothes he was clad;

Lurching, he stumbled upon ground icy, head resting against a grave old;

White vapour blown out, eyes closed, he was glad;

Dying in a place where others slept, ever shielded from the cold.

"May I repose beside you; you whose name I do not know?"

"O teenager, your time won't freeze today," an unearthly voice;

"Are you a victim of the war too? If we fought on the same side, I shall bow."

"Live, fledgling, welcome the new era, you've no other choice."

A purple parasol held over his head; an elderly lady smiled;

"My husband's tombstone", holding out a plate of sweets, " Have these... My offerings";

Hungrily he chomped, prison escapee; "Sorry", he mumbled, mild;

Devouring kindness, avowed to survive in the age blooming, built on many a body, accepting what it brings.