STEVE

He lived alone--------

not by choice

it never worked out

constant search

like a kicked puppy always

returning for more.

Two-room living quarters

hardly enough to contain

his mind expanding

book addiction. Always too

hot or too cold,

cheap landlord

providing barely enough room

barely enough comfort.

But his Spartan existence,

fueled by his unchallenging

janitorial job,

freed his mind and spirit

to work for social justice.

And that he heroically did

spending every free moment

studying issues and demonstrating

for the rights of oppressed people everywhere.

He died alone.

His passing unknown for several days.

Yet he is ever present

encouraging us to carry on.

                                                                        Karen Wolf