What Registers
they say
smile at strangers
it’s kind
it will leave
some kind
of impression
but
the strangers
I remember
pay in pennies
at the cash register
leaving a line
of pissed consumers
behind them
I heard one
stranger pay
for cigarettes
and lottery tickets
with food stamps
or some akin
assistance
but it’s none of my business
strangers have
lives
we can’t fathom
we aren’t
in their predicament
Imperfect Perfect Impressions
When the screaming and yelling have ended— when they realize they really do love each other—
When that stranger holds the door and picks up your fallen groceries—
When your cards are empty— broke— and that stranger pays for your items—
When that little girl gets that gift her parents couldn’t afford by a stranger—
When that little boy finds that his best friend is that kid a crossed the street—
When the person you love says the words “I love you”—
When your best friend goes out with you— when your special someone ditches—
When your little sister hugs you—
When your life is falling apart—
and someone cares enough to pray.
That’s when they make an impression on me!