Joe & Violet

As I
walked through
the grocery
store.
I focused on my
list.
Wanting
to get
out as quick
as I could.
I went down
the soda
isle.
Needing
ginger ale.
I see people
pushing and
grabbing
and moving
quickly
through
this isle.
As I look
at the end
of the isle
I see
a old man
laying on
the ground.
coughing.
People
are stepping
past him
and acting
like they do
not see him.
I walk over
and see if he is
ok.
He said he
is fine
and needs
no help.
He lays
on the floor.
He is wearing
a plaid hat and
is dressed
in a suit.
I sat next to him
on the floor.
What is your
name?
I ask.
Let's see he says.
Hmmm.
Oh yeah,
my name is
Joe.
Well Joe
my name
is Christina
and I can' t
leave you on
the floor.
So I will sit with
you for awhile.
Not one person
stopped to
ask if he was ok.
The feet
of many brushed
by us.
I took his arm
and put it
around my neck.
He took
his arm
and steadied
it on the shelf.
As he got
up he thanked me.
What else do you
need?
Let me help
you shop.
As Joe
and I
walked
through
the isles.
He talked
to me about
his life.
His children.
His wife
that is now
passed.
How lost he
is right now.
As I waited for
his cab to
come
He thanked
 me for being
so human.
so kind.
He was embarrassed
that he fell.
As I was helping Joe
in the
cab
he said
Violet would
have liked you.
Who is violet?
I asked.
My Wife
he responded.
She has been
gone
6 years. I
am a bit lost
without her.
Joe and Violet
I whispered.
The cab drove
away
and all I
could think
is
One day
I might be like
Joe
missing my
Violet.
As I
walk back to
the store
I am reminded
how lucky
I am.
At this moment.
I will cook
I think.
I will cook
a beautiful
dinner
and when I take
my first bite
I will think of
Joe and Violet.
And
I will
Be full
not of
food,
But
of gratitude.