robson street, vancouver b.c.

Little bright shops
on Robson street
Dance with patrons
chic to chic.

Heedless to the coming storm
Trusting trade
to keep them warm.

Rush hour drums
the dancers' beat
while beggars huddle
at their feet

Homeless, on the cold concrete
take board and blanket
try to sleep
beneath the tapping
whirling feet--

patrons dancing
chic to chic.

--Charles Van Gorkom, from Road to Emmaus © 2002 (used with permission)