when walking east
on nine mile
he always takes the north side
today
he pushes
his safeway shopping cart
with brisk, high stomps
a yellow helium balloon
bouncing against his chest
always a variation
on the same
his voice booming
reaching through traffic
when walking
on nine
he takes the south side
and i get a closer look
his basket filled
with clothing
blankets
meticulously folded
stacked like cards
eyes always forward
he sees no one
he sees everyone