THE THRIFT STORE

Based on a true story.

THE THRIFT STORE

He came in unnoticed and unannounced,

Head held low with a shuffle of cards gait

Beneath the rise and fall of last year's weariness.

A slight smile revealed teeth like fence posts

That leaned ever so slightly against their neighbor.

He made his way slowly past cast-off history and headed

Straight-away to the section of rare books storing their

Musty smell of durable antiquity, fingering each one as

Though holding a golden treasure.  He picked up a

Book of Walt Whitman's poetry and began to read.

Standing for quite some time, taking long slow breaths,

He read and then closed his eyes as if envisioning scenes

On the sepia pages.  When at last he noticed the twenty

Dollar price tag, he gently placed the treasured book back

On its shelf as a small tear trickled down his wrinkled cheek.

I knew his pride would not allow him to accept a gift of charity,

So I quickly took twenty dollars from my purse.  Dropping the bill

On the floor unnoticed I said, "Sir, I believe you dropped something."

Looking down at the bill, he bent to pick it up, then grasped my hand

In silence and gave me a look that must have been sent straight from heaven.

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Reviews

[M. J. Smith]

None today would do that. Save perhaps an old drifter who once gave a teenager a pentecostal handshake on New Year's Eve before riding away into a snowstorm.
Beautiful words reminding me of that long ago night. It is said that charity begins at home. People give to world hunger, children's funds overseas, but they look down on the less fortunate in their own towns. Thank you for reminding us all. There but for the grace of God go I...

[Miss Sharon]

Indeed my friend. One never knows what lies in store in their future. Thanks for reading! ~Sharon

[M. J. Smith]

When I was sixteen, we were having hard times. That New Year's Eve, I walked into a Catholic Church to get warm. An old man was there, praying. Ragged, poor, unkempt... Folks went out of there way to avoid him. I simply wished him a happy New year. When he shook my hand, he left behind what had to by his last handful of money. Everything he owned was strapped to a bicycle. He rode away into the night. I never saw him again. He came and went as mysteriously as an unknown angel. And who knows? Perhaps he was...

[Miss Sharon]

Thanks so much for sharing this! ~Sharon

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

This is beautiful! Made me smile! We all need to follow this delightful poem and show some kindness!

[Miss Sharon]

Awwwwwwww! Thanks ever so much for your kindness! ~Sharon

[KATHY SUE SILLS]

Always a pleasure!

[Chris Shaw]

What a wonderful story with such a satisfying and uplifting ending. Each one of us is capable of making a difference. Acts of kindness are not forgotten and can make the world a much nicer place. Love this poem so much Sharon. Beautifully composed and full of the feel good factor. Much enjoyed. Situations like this are win win. All benefit :)

Chris

[Miss Sharon]

Thanks so much my sweetie for your beautiful review! You are VERY much appreciated ~Sharon.