The man with the gulls

I see a man alone on the bridge.

Wrapped up against the cold
In a grey wool overcoat and a red chequie scarf,
He has a bag of bread at his feet.

Picking up some bread
He throws it into a sky so bright
I have to squint.

The gulls catch it in mid air
And as I pass him he greets me,
Asking if I would like to join.

- London, January 2004