. br br The old man sighs his rheumy eyes br focus on his near empty glass. br He has been forced to realise br old men are always short of brass. br Unsatisfied he’s thirsty still br but can’t afford another one br and there are hours yet to kill. br His sighs would melt a heart of stone. br A younger man observes his plight br and plants a foaming tankard down. br Can you sup this? I thought you might. br A toothless smile soon shifts the frown. br God bless you son your charity br I thank you for most gratefully. br br 22-Feb-07br br ivor .