For the Love of Lee by Natalia Spencer

lee:
Noun

the sheltered side of something; the side away from the wind.

Oh yes the fish wife said I often saw him
Fingers engraved with filth
& he smelt like a kipper
Bleeding disgrace I say

No don’t think I did he said am just too busy
to see what’s at my feet & judging
by that ratty bit of card
I don’t think she could write or read

Yes he/she was often camped there
said two policewomen & we knew its name
We saw sweat sparkling on the forehead
Hardly remarkable in seventy degree heat

No said Tony Stranger I never saw a report
that a disabled life died in a shop doorway
but I do know Theresa May
asked if they even existed

Yes said the whole internet
worms are dozing on leather green benches
or outside Gregs those sausage roll bags
are just fair weather mates

Yes said the Old & the New Year
As seasons change from sunshades
to blinding Christmas Neon Light
November’s Penny for the Guy is always here

And when commuters begin to rat run
for another buck somehow
that duvet that dirty cloud evaporates
like urine sodden snow.