Diane Sciacchitano’s poem Next Station appeared here in February 2013.
Orlando
By Diane Sciacchitano
There he sits
Sharing a smile with anyone who greets him.
I navigate the long rows of tables and then–I stop.
His eyes shine as he looks at me.
“So happy to see you once again!”
His face lights up.
He apologizes for forgetting my name.
I listen while he recounts his weekend visit with family
Grateful for their concern but content to live on his own.
A small apartment in an urban town
Ensures he is still viable despite his years
A community of familiarity assures his independence.
Minutes fly by–chores to finish before day’s end
He reaches for my hand, says “thank you.”
His eyes convey gratitude for my time,
Revealing a glimmer of a younger man.
The sentiment “take care” is spoken,
He says he hopes he can visit soon.
“I’ll be looking for you,” I say.
Such a small gesture, this giving of time,
But precious to someone in the sunset years.
Sharing a smile with anyone who greets him.
I navigate the long rows of tables and then–I stop.
His eyes shine as he looks at me.
“So happy to see you once again!”
His face lights up.
He apologizes for forgetting my name.
I listen while he recounts his weekend visit with family
Grateful for their concern but content to live on his own.
A small apartment in an urban town
Ensures he is still viable despite his years
A community of familiarity assures his independence.
Minutes fly by–chores to finish before day’s end
He reaches for my hand, says “thank you.”
His eyes convey gratitude for my time,
Revealing a glimmer of a younger man.
The sentiment “take care” is spoken,
He says he hopes he can visit soon.
“I’ll be looking for you,” I say.
Such a small gesture, this giving of time,
But precious to someone in the sunset years.
Very poignant…it gives a wonderful lesson for younger old friend or acquaintance
We’ve been dealing with a family member that no longer can stay in her home. You have done a beautiful job on this poem. I hope it reminds others to share their time. It means a lot to someone.