give and take

stepping back from everyone
he watches to see who notices
it's become second nature
to be aware of his surroundings

fading into the wall
he inches toward the exit
he's invisible no one cares
he slips out the door and sighs relief

it's a cool clear night
he stops to breathe it in
the weight lifts off his shoulders
the burden of caring

time to get back on the road
another home is gone
and he wonders where he can find
someone that will give more than they take