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

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!