He stood there smiling warily
a roguish look indeed
slapdash clothing hung askew
and dragged beneath his feet
.
Both hands gesticulated
those feelings deep inside
it seemed at times an orchestra
was playing in his mind
.
He tottered back and forth a bit
while sharing words with me
his eyes would sparkle suddenly
and then a tear I’d see
.
“I used to be a better man,”
he said while standing tall,
“and all the girls used anecdotes
and spoke in southern drawls.”
.
Asking where the man was born
he turned and answered me:
“I think it was in Arkansas,
or maybe Tennessee”
.
I watched him as he fidgeted
deciding what to say
but all he shared were simple things
and then he turned away
.
Sensing my eyes probing him
to understand his plight
he turned around and smiled again
and said: “I have a thought….
.
I’ve been alone for several days
and things have been real bad
I lost my wallet recently
and every cent I had”
.
I asked if he’d been working hard
he said: “a circus show,”
looking up with downcast eyes
he said: “they let me go.
.
Please, I need some money sir
a place to sleep tonight
I was hoping you would understand
and help me in my plight.”
.
Offering him my sympathies
in lieu of something more
I contemplated giving him
what he’d been asking for
.
With staunch determination
I decided what to do
I reached inside my wallet
and some money I withdrew
.
The noble man began to smile
and then with arms outstretched
he hugged me with sincerity
I knew was not far-fetched
.
His face was like a sunrise bright
it glowed and warmed my soul
I felt as if the man had changed
and wasn’t in control
.
With zeal his eyes turned skyward,
on his face there was no fear
and when I handed him the bills
he bowed and disappeared….
.
© richard lloyd cederberg
2022
.
“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly
entertained angels unawares.” Hebrews 13: 2
     Between the Cracks - A Monumental Journey Series