He was staggering towards the fountain

Stolen pint glass in hand

Braving the chill of midnight air

Avoiding the call of home

He saw a woman shedding the tears

Of regret of staying with love unwanted

He felt her sadness and understood

A rose seller walked by

Distracted

He plucks a plastic flower

From the bunch

And surprises the crying woman

She looks up

Appalled and angry!

Throwing the offering

Into the night along with herself

In a flash she is gone

Along with his hope for humanity

Never mind he thinks

You can’t win them all.