I once met a man crossing through town one day
Tall, with a backpack slung over his right shoulder
Came by the diner looking for a warm meal here
The town gave him that and more as he stayed a week
He didn’t say much though as if for a specific reason
We all tried to get to know him and where he came from
Hardly a word to go on as to tell us just who he is
It was as if he was hiding something from us and him
I’ve always had a good eye on people and this was unique
For it seemed not of bad intentions but of pain and sorrow
He helped clean the diner in exchange for room and food
Quite the friendly fellow actually when you talk of other things
I was able to draw out of him that he’s been wandering for awhile
When asked his destination, it was always met with ponder
I was looking at a man who had no home in search of one
Out of everyone in town, him and I actually got along the best
Even when many would get frustrated for his lack of openness
It was hard to stay upset at him for too long over this thing
He did have that charm about him that made it so difficult
On the surface it was easy to get along but don’t try to dig deep
He seemed used to being around for a short time rather than a long
On the eve before his departure I invited him to stay with me
He spent the past days at the motel which isn’t well-kept much
He had that look in his eyes like he was unsure about leaving
He told me that he’s been traveling for so long going everywhere
I offered he can live in town and build a life in this comfort
He looked out to the moon, thinking, before saying he couldn’t
As if feeling bad for getting a town’s hopes up for a new arrival
In such a short time he may have realized this wasn’t the place
For some it takes longer but he’s not like the common person
Perhaps in his mind he knows what he’s always dreamed of seeing
But it may not mean he never enjoyed the memories of each town
I doubt I was the first person to care for this mysterious stranger
And I don’t think I will be the last, but we all have this in common
We will always care for him and hope that he finds what he is looking for
We danced throughout the night as if it will be the last time we get to
And by morning he wandered over down to the exit of town
Saying his friendly goodbyes to the townspeople before reaching me
Will we ever see him again, only he knows the answer to this
Another town and it’s people unknowingly await for him now
While we, and I, become yet another chapter in his tale as he wanders
I once met a man who was not only looking for a place called home
No, maybe he was actually looking for someone to give him a reason to stay. . .
Novatourist 