Haha max thanks for laugh -but it is sad that such fear of strangers exists P -----Original Message----- From: Poetryetc: poetry and poetics [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Max Richards Sent: 30 October 2013 07:23 To: [log in to unmask] Subject: 'By the Kinder' By the Kinder There's a sus-looking old man dawdling past the kindergarten, ogling the playing children, with a pretty dog on a leash - like bait to draw kids to him. What's he taking from his pocket? I thought so - a smart-phone - not asking permission - about to steal their images for who knows what evil purpose? Don't smile back at him - unkempt in his whiskery greyness, scuffed shoes and shabby jacket. I don't even trust his dog. Dawdling past the kinder - hear him talking to himself! He's not snapping, though, he's texting - jottings to whom? - himself - I know - it's me.