Reaching Out

I stopped to meet someone
On my way to work today
He was walking beside the road
We were headed the same way

He travels this route often
His destination is unknown
Despite heat or cold or rain
His familiar figure walks alone

An innocent soul reaching out
To all of those who pass him by
He waves at every single one
Never questions who or why

Many ignore this simple gesture
How hard is it to lift a hand?
Is kindness a thing of the past?
I find it so hard to understand

As time went by I noticed that
His health seemed to decline
Each time I saw him after that
I prayed that he’d be fine

So today on a less traveled road
The opportunity to connect arose
I pulled over and stopped the car
We exchanged names and hellos

He seemed to see the world
Through the eyes of a child
He thanked me for my kindness
His manner was pleasant and mild

This brief encounter with goodness
Touched my heart and made me smile
It also made me feel closer to God
If only for a little while

Lisa Jo Ewert
Copyright© November 2001