the 11.39 from north gong took him towards the leadership course. from central station he walked up to martin place, before heading across hyde park to his destination on the corner of oxford and hope. people were practiced in giving him space, although some weren’t expecting his presence at that time and he could see their surprised recognition. mostly he looked into their eyes as he moved up past the great southern hotel. at the qvb he stopped at an art stall and chose a black and white print of three figures standing on chairs next to an empty one. it seemed plausible for the time was near. he stopped next at the tin of a man and his dog, before turning into the place where the homeless camp was moving. the tents and the soup kitchen were exposed and the awnings in front of the bank were boarded up blackboards with triangular chalkings of maslow’s hierarchy of needs. with nothing more to offer them, he stepped to the edge of the road and pressed the button.
Published – Australian Poetry Anthology, EDS Jill Jones & Bella Li, Vol 6 2018
Photo of Maslow’s hierachy of needs, by the author – Martin Place 18 July 2017
Tim Heffernan - Poems 