The Man in the Suit

The Man in the Suit

 

He had been sitting there an hour

in the small diner.

He’d had three cups of coffee.

Apparently, he would be doing an all-nighter.

She had been watching him since he came in,

there was something about him that had caught her attention,

though she wasn’t sure what it was.

He was an elderly man with a cane, but that wasn’t the intuition

she was feeling toward the man in the suit.

Why was he dressed up

at such a late hour?

There he went again… ordering another cup.

Before she knew, she was invested;

what was the story of his late-night brew?

She wanted to know about

the man in the suit.

He looked sad and alone;

dare she go talk to him?

What did she have to lose?

Looking over her glass’ rim,

she decided to go over

to say Hello to the gent.

“Hi there.” she said, a conversation begun.

“Hello” remarked the man.

“Are you ok? You look glum.”

“I’m just having a rough time.”

“I’m sorry.” she replied, but he said,

“It’s ok, I’m used to it.”

“Why are you wearing a suit?” she asked the man.

“Today was my wedding anniversary.

“We would have been married fifty-two years.”

“I’m sorry.” she found herself saying once again.

“I dress up for her every anniversary and have coffee.” he said with tears.

“That’s sweet.” she wiped her eyes.

“This was where we met...

“About this time.”

“What a sweet thing,” she replied, “to never forget.”

“Thanks for coming over to talk.”

“You’re welcome.” she smiled.

She found herself talking to the man who her attention sought.

The two sat for an hour,

as she listened to him talk about his wife.
His face began to glow

while he talked about their life.

She was immersed in his story.

Then he decided it was time to leave.

“Maybe we can chat again sometime” he said.

“Of course. I would be pleased!”

After exchanging phone numbers,

he left with a smile upon his face.

She sat in silence.

Only then did she realize they hadn’t given their names.

She had to smile at that.

She knew she would learn his name soon,

but tonight, she would say a prayer

for the man in the suit.

 

Melinda McQueen Rodgers

April 20, 2021

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful story shared dear Melinda in the poetry. It is nice when we pay attention to other people. Hear their stories and thank you for sharing the amazing poetry.
Coyote

[Melinda McQueen]

Thank you for your visit. I appreciate you.

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Melinda.

[wordman]

sad write melinda but a true story i`m sure for someone

[Melinda McQueen]

Thank you for your visit. I appreciate you.