Wednesday, December 8, 2021

Her Cheerful Greeting


 

She is a tiny Oriental woman long past her 

middle age yet with facial features that are timeless

white hair hanging loose a bright headband to 

match the COVID mask holding her bob in place 

unless it's caught in a girlish ponytail, swinging 

in rhythm to her practised, practical movement 

as she marches groceries along the conveyor belt 

scanning each all the while chatting, smiling

taking no heed of the truculence surrounding her. 

As gracious as she is efficient she assures me it is 

no bother unpacking the items I've placed in a 

bag meant to be kept apart from what I'm taking 

home. Each item is priced and carefully replaced

the bag to be left for the Food Bank. Nothing 

fazes this woman other than the discovery her wallet 

was missing and despite frantic efforts could not 

be found. Never before had I seen a furrowed 

brow above her trusting eyes. Until it was returned

her faith in life's acquaintances restored

somewhat as her manner has done mine.



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