It was that ‘Wobble’

in her cagey voice

which first attracted

my attention…

then, I noticed

the depth of her

brilliant green eyes.

“The ‘Streets’ take

more than they give

… but, you’ve

retained a fraction

back beyond Reach,”

I smiled, connecting.

She focus-studied

my friendly face…

“You’re Switzerland,

no Judgement Gavel

… Shelly told me

about your ‘Gifts’…

and, I’ve come

here to Barter some

Empathy for Stories.”

© Paul Tristram 2026