she smiled that smile, again…

She smiled at him, though by appearance 

she didn’t look as if she had much to smile about.

Her face lined with years of suffering, yet she smiled.

A few nights after and late at night

he spotted somebody bent over a litter bin.

He slowed down as the figure straightened up

and walked to the next bin. By the time the figure

had reached the third and last bin he was standing

and inquiring if the figure was looking for something?

No, she said defensively. 

Are you hungry, he asked?

Yes she said, very hungry. 

He took her to the local store and filled a basket 

with food. The last item into the basket was an 

after thought when he'd inquired, “do you like chocolate”?

She chose a four pack of Snickers.

At the checkout she asked, would you mind if I eat a Snickers now?

Once I’ve paid it’ll be OK and she smiled that smile, again…