Under An Archway

Coldness is felt in many ways; Laying in yesterdays news Under an archway is one. Coldness of a dead relationship Where a couple are handcuffed Together by circumstances. Coldness of bitter weather beating Relentlessly against chapped raw Skin where everything is an effort. I have known coldness, being Hypothermic in the sea one cold January in a leaking diving drysuit. But there are many people now Living hand to mouth who are only Two paydays away from homelessness. Who will see the true coldness of a Winter alone on the streets as the Cost of living crisis takes hold. Homelessness shatters lives, shatters Hopes, shatters dreams of a future And kills without favour. I wonder how many of us will walk on Past someone begging on the streets This winter and look the other way? Many are not entitled to food banks as They don't have a doctor to refer them It takes little effort to buy them a hot drink. It takes little effort to buy them socks Which can be bought from a pound Shop, but can you make that effort?