Category: Awareness

Nameless

it was almost closing time
there were only two other customers in the store
they were very intent on choosing their purchase
three items lay on the counter at checkout
was so tired
ready to go home

the two children came to pay for their purchase
given their amount the sister laid out all their coins
a handful of nickels and dimes were spread out before her
waiting, watching
there was an intensity, an anxiety
did they have enough?

the cashier counted it all out and said
5 more cents
the sister looked helpless
and a very simple offering
here, here is 5 cents
was met with a relieved
oh thank you!

little brother stood by not understanding
but trusting
they left the store as the few items on the counter were gathered up
they had waited outside
 the young girl stepped up and again said, thank you so much!
the reply was, you are welcome, have walked in your shoes before

little brother was struggling to open their pack of gum
not understanding but trusting
then it occurred, was a pack of gum when at their age
not just 5 cents? 

gagi     07/29/23