walk

The most beautiful man lives just down the street,

In a red madras shirt and no shoes on his feet.

I find him there when my dogs lurch after his -

A small ball of fur that seems larger than he is.

I used to apologize for my dogs (like a mother)

But we’re used to the dance and now greet each other.

“How are you?” he bellows above his dog’s yelps.

“I’m well, thank God!” I say, and then nothing else.

Such a simple exchange is not too much to see,

But he glows when he smiles and nods at me.   

I have grown to look forward to this part of my day -

The man is always there when I walk by that way.

I would have once thought he had nothing to do –

Holed up in his garage and smoking a few…

His solid white hair and his wheelchair betray-

Why this beautiful man is un-rushed in his day.

While the rest of the world hurries, laments and gives way-

He reminds me to slow down my day.