Clean Sweep

He is busy
sweeping away the leaves that have fallen.
Making the sidewalk at the corner of Main and Hastings
ready for visitors.

It is hard work
gathering all the leaves and debris.
Garbage, wrappers and cigarette butts.
It all finds its way into his garbage can.

There is one organic mound of matter you cannot sweep away.
It's too big.
Too human.
Too much alive and still breathing.

It is laying near the store on the sidewalk.
Wrapped in a wet red blanket.
Feet sticking out
from the curled up position he finds himself in.

You can sweep your leaves and clean the sidewalk.
But what will you do with the person who litters your sidewalk too?