| THE CAR WASH PAGE 1 |
One afternoon in early spring I set out to wash my car Armed with spray and cleaning rags The drive-thru wasn't far After running through the line I parked off to one side To vacuum all the floormats While airing out the damp inside I whistled merrily as I worked In a happy, vibrant mood Determined not to let a single care Or problem dare intrude From the corner of one eye I caught sight of a man In the nearby intersection With a cardboard sign in hand You know the type, they're everywhere All across this mighty nation Ragged, dirty and reeking of Poverty and deprivation "Will work for food" or "HOMELESS" The signs most always read I never stopped when driving past Just stared blindly straight ahead Too far away to read his sign I squinted for a better look Then he glanced up and caught my eye A second was all it took! I groaned aloud and smacked my head "Good going, D...really smart! Here he comes to beg a handout From a gullible, bleeding heart!" As he approached I studied him He seemed about my age Although we'd been dealt different hands When life's game of chance was staged His clothes were torn and faded He was dirty beyond belief Greasy hair fell in his eyes "THIS encounter would be brief!" He stopped a yard from where I worked Just standing there a while Before he said, "Good morning, Ma'am" And flashed a brilliant smile I couldn't keep from grinning back For that smile transformed his face And seemed to spread a golden glow Throughout that parking place I steeled myself for his request But though I waited....it never came So I continued with my work As he watched me without blame The little voice inside my head Was getting louder all the time: "Ask him if he needs some help.... ....at least ask to see his sign!" |
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