Two Praying Grandmas

Joe and Jacque almost met on a Friday in 1996, but not really
They kind of glanced at each other, not speaking
In line for a train heading to Hanover Park, Illinois.
He did not even know her name or hear her voice

An internal voice whispered “kismet”, so he paid attention.
His friend nodded in her direction, saying “See the redhead?
She is mine.”
Joe knew better, some instinct said she was his, but he kept silent.
His friend, Sam,  was known to be a hothead,
and he did not want to start a fuss.

Sam got off at his stop, and he travelled to the next car to find her.
The mystery woman was not there, so Joe kept going.
At the next stop he watched her disembark.
Thousands of Chicago workers ride the train to the city,
so he figured it was up to fate as to whether he would see her again.

Joe did not see her for a year and a day.
he knew because it was his birthday when he found her.
Jacque looked up and smiled.
“Where have you been?” She asked. “I have looked for you.”
This was news to him. “
Destiny told me that you were going to be in my life,” she added.
He sat down next to her and asked if he could hold her hand.
It was slim and soft.
He got her phone number, and her address,
feeling a joy that made his heart sing.

Her grandmother had been praying she would meet a lovely spouse.
His grandmother had been praying that he would settle down.
They recognized each other instantly at their grandchildren’s wedding.
“Kismet!” they said, then “jinx!”
Nothing more powerful than two praying grandmothers
who had once been best friends since the fifth grade!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Wolf Avatar
April 6, 2021 at 12:09 PM
A lovely narrative, Caren. Talk about matchmakers! :) gw
Hankins Avatar
April 6, 2021 at 9:03 AM
Very interesting grandmas! This is a delightful story.
Peck Avatar
April 6, 2021 at 8:29 AM
Such a sweet poem. Nice write, Caren.
Krutsinger Avatar
April 6, 2021 at 8:44 AM
Thank you Ann I appreciate it.
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