Anna IOU.
Alone And in a new place One carryall Off the bus Little cash and One name and address. Anne Ida had given this out Along with sixty bucks. In her precious letter. “ Anna, 235 Porter Street. Bridgewater, NS.” Taxi took twelve dollars. Chatty guy, Somalian. Been in the Dominion. Seventeen months. Little bachelor’s room. Not far from Anna’s. He knew about her. Former Yugoslavian. Spinster. Heart of gold. Big as Fundy’s Bay. Third floor apartment. Held two adjacent ones. Let out short term For peanuts to new arrivals. Got some help in this From Orthodox church. Stomped up three flights And knocked sheepishly Door opened to This plumpish woman Rosy cheeks, smiling Closely cut white hair. Apron on. It’s you…Natalia. Ida told me everything. Come, come. Coat in front closet Relieved of carryall. Simple prayer plaque With painted red roses. Beside front hall mirror. “Lord I give you this Day Use me. Sustain me.” Home…for now.
