The Hug

I needed to get some shoes. My Mom came, too.
The sales clerk said,
I wish I could talk to you all day.
I wish all my customers were like you.
It’s been a pleasure.

I didn’t think we had done anything remarkable.
Just laughed, chatted, complimented.

But when we left, we knew that she had moved
From Connecticut to Denver for a grandchild.
Then the grandchild moved away.

I can imagine her life, in a strange city,
Without friends or family,
Working retail with grumpy customers.

“Would you like a hug?”
She did.

Add to godliness
Brotherly kindness;
And to brotherly kindness
Charity.

Teach me this, O God.
The lonely are seeking.