Subtle Beauty

My best recall is that I saw her for the first time at a Starbucks store several weeks ago. Approaching the door with two large bags, she hesitated and seemed puzzled. I suspected she knew that she was welcomed to enter, but the bags would be forbidden. I sensed that she was concerned about her bags and whispered, "I will watch them for you". She quickly obliged as her perplexity vanished, and she, with a sense of ease, entered the store. I have seen her several times since as a faceless, unemotional, and very gentle homeless person. But last Saturday, I saw her in a very different light as I was engaged in conversation with a couple of friends. I tell you, life is such a joy if we dare take a moment to capture what so few of us seem to notice. As we were conversing and laughing, I looked to my right and was arrested by a beautiful smile. Suddenly, she had a warm connection with us, and our eyes and smiles assured her of our love. Suddenly, the homeless, the faceless, and the nameless lady was being enriched by our conversation. Perhaps she remains homeless, but a snapshot of her emotion and smiling face now rest in our hearts. 10312018PoSoupContest, Early November 2018, Brain Strand; 1P