Simple Gifts
Location
Her
Hands shook as she took the steaming bowl from the tray.
Her oversized winter coat was threadbare and frayed.
I could tell it had been a long time since her last meal.
No one that came here ever looked well-fed.
I never knew what to say to our patrons so I just offered her a shy
Smile.
She smiled back and as I served the next man his stew,
I noticed the stooped woman, slowly shuffing away.
Her back was to me but somehow I could tell she was still smiling.
She chose her spot at a long wooden table and began to eat.
I stepped in to the back and
Warmed
The unserved soup on the beat up stove top.
There was a big crowd tonight, bigger than usual.
The tables were almost filled, except the one with the old woman at the end.
As I crossed the room to offer the woman seconds,
She stood up and put her withered hand over
My heart.
Then she winked at me and walked out.
I will never forget that woman.
Somehow I had never felt that way while working at the kitchen,
But my simple gift of service had made her truly happy.
And in return, her smile had warmed my heart.