sometimes i seem aloof on the sidewalk. i'm thinking and then i'm watching him touch people. sometimes they cross the street or walk in the street, sometimes they trail their hand above his raised nose as though above water untouched. this morning i look back and see him raise his eyes to a fellow and the fellow smiles and touches his head and looks at me and thanks me. and i thank you i say. next a lady trails her hand just above his reaching nose. then he stops at some steps and a friend coming down says he always makes her day. we talk about what a difference he makes. with all the gross injustice and evil governing the planet i like to see the simple fundamental touch and i imagine touch spreading impulses through the frayed nerve network of the whole environment joining every being who resists the brutality for love.