#g+e

They were caught there, piled along the kerb, As watchers on a cliff-edge, waiting, Each separate within himself, yet shouldered together, Stretched in a continuous line, neither bored nor hating This chance to stand and not be anything For a time. One, in particular, had stood as if he would, Waiting the livelong day, sharing no thought, A prepared fortitude building him gamely To  this chance spot of ground, which he held, as he felt he ought Because he knew his need and was willing to give patience Indefinitely, it seemed. And then, abruptly, he stepped back and walked on, strongly alone, Leaving that expense of time casually and with grace, To be unregretted; even when the considered bus approached And passed, so near that he saw the beaked, side-face Of one who had been quite close to him for a while At that stage.