Old man sitting forlorn sitting on a park bench

I was enjoying the day and had intended to eat a sandwich I brought and meditate

Initially tried to walk in the opposite direction but my feet said…..”nope”

and I approached the man who was obviously homeless and destitute

–

“ how are you doing today sir”……..I could see the answer

I offered him the sandwich and an apple 🍎

he hesitated and took the offending

“why you doing this” he inquired…..

” because I can…..and because I want to”… was my response

–

we didn’t speak another word and I could see from his body language that he was cautious and trying to figure out my motivation

I watched his weathered leather face and hands as he devoured the food

a series of snapshots ran through my head of all the good things in my life

silently I prayed for him and we just sat in each other’s company

I got up to leave and he muttered… “Ralph”

and I extended my hand and told him my name

and turned to leave…..

–

he said……”not trying to steer me in a different direction….. no God talk……”

I said….. “ He’s always talking….we get to choose whether we listen or not……hope to see you again”

without question that was the best sandwich I never ate

I suppose I was fed in a different way…. because I wasn’t hungry after that

 

ttucro