Grocery Store

A wonderful encounter at a grocery store today

I met a beautiful man in the self-checkout

Of a grocery store today…

“Next on 9” was what the cashier said,

I moved toward “9” but moved back,

as a wheelchair was blocking the way.

“Next on 9” was shouted again and I saw a man

in a wheelchair try to get out of the way.

Now, I jumped ahead and told the man,

That he didn’t need to move,

And that I had enough room.

His body was a crumpled leaf,

Yet, I could see that he could see,

As he commented on my groceries waiting

To be checked-out,

“I see you love your dog”

And he was right, I had way more in the basket for my dog than myself.

“Yes” I replied and quickly showed him a picture of my dog,

A random can rolled down between us,

I picked it up, he thanked me,

And asked me to give my dog a hug, from him;

And I agreed.

As I went to say goodbye and shook his hand I noticed,

Korean War Veteran pins on his jacket,

But mostly his smile and incredible eyes…

Reviews

[Pete]

touching and real. you've got all the ingredients of an emotional stew. well stirred and well told.

[Betty Hermelee]

This is a beautiful happenstance....of all places..it reflects kindness, goodwill, compassion and understanding of people in general, yet in this case a man who is physically challenged... it shows that conversations can begin anywhere and put a smile on the faces of human beings....especially one who is a veteran...some people may not be as conversant.....well done!
Warmly, B

[Efxaris Arampatzi]

I absolutely love this poem, it beautifully captures a fleeting yet meaningful human connection. The line “His body was a crumpled leaf, yet, I could see that he could see” is especially powerful, painting a vivid image of both fragility and wisdom. The ending, with the veteran’s pins and his incredible eyes, lingers in my mind. This piece is a touching reminder of the quiet stories around us every day.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

In the reckless, restless cacophony of everyday living we need to take time to appreciate the small kindnesses and comforts we enjoy and to find reasons to spread random acts of kindness. I enjoyed this. F.

[John the Baptist]

While the negative is broadcast far and wide by the media, positive things like this encounter are happening frequently, and they remind us of the good in life. Of course, we have to be on the lookout for them.

[Ken e Bujold]

The power of this poem is not so much the story, which is beautiful in and of itself, as much as it is for the emotions so genuinely expressed. A recognition of the bounties we have in life. Good health, fortune, camaraderie of fellow man. How you evoke an understanding of love, that isn't cloying but truly felt for a fellow soul, his predicament, and how this kindness can be repaid through the simplest of two words: thank you.

fabulous poem Amanda

Ken

[Vol]

Amanda,
The thing about poetry in our time, at least since Bukowski, is that EVERYTHING HAS MEANING, EVERTHING HAS BEAUTY, EVERYTHING IS IMPORTANT! There is no way in any past age of writing would this incident be considered a subject for writing. The jury is still out on hw we will be remembered.
Vol

[Chris Shaw]

It can be really humbling at times when you stop to talk to some of these elderly people. They belong to a generation where values were different and politeness and kindness came first. What a lovely moment in your day. Enjoyed reading you Amanda.

Chris

[Poetic Beauty]

Sometimes we need to speak to people and have an unexpected encounter to appreciate the kindness and the gentleness inside the outer shell. Those are the moments that linger and remind us humanity and kindness are a live and well in this world.

I great write about an ordinary day that turns into a beautiful memory

[jacob erin-cilberto]

This makes me feel proud and reminds me why I will always thank someone for his or her service if I see a cap that calls out "Veteran"---
this story warms my heart.
j.