Jesus At the Walmart

At the local Walmart (some of us shop there)
a young woman was standing at the self-checkout 
with a huge cart of groceries, sobbing her eyes
out.  The store was crowded.  No one
paid her any attention.  I was passing on 
my way out of the store, and I stopped. 
She was distraught, her credit card, denied.  
I asked how much -- happened to have cash 
to pay her tab.  She said, "You don't have to do that,"
and I said, " Oh Yes, I do."  A Walmart employee
pitched in the few pennies I lacked, and I 
left the store, marveling at the line of folks 
that saw distress, and looked away.

Walmart, again, for a few purchases,
When it was time to pay, my wallet was left 
on the seat of the car--a sometimes occurrence 
in the absent-minded years. I asked the checker 
to put my cart aside while I went to retrieve it.

She replied, "He wants to pay for you."  
Turning around, "I faced a forty-something
behind me, and I said in astonishment, 
"You don't have to do this."  He, unsmiling,
serious-faced: "I know I don't have to do 
this."  "Hug!" I said, and put my arms 
around him."You will get this back in spades, 
you know.  It's called Karma."  
"Pay it forward..." he replied.

Random acts of kindness:  Jesus
at the Walmart."
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Atkinson Avatar
August 19, 2015 at 9:12 AM
Such a nice story. With value for us all.
Christian Avatar
July 27, 2015 at 3:42 PM
Amen lovely story
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace