We are a network of neighborhoods of souls,

connected since The Bang,

(or Genesis).

And that crotchety old man

stumbling small steps on the sidewalk

isn’t talking to himself.

He’s not mumbling mush in his mind,

though it might sound like it to the uninitiated…

He’s whispering to his Lady-Love

he got into the habit of hugging for 62 years

of happily married after.

She passed two years ago

but her soul’s still spooned with his,

her heart still loves to listen

and he still loves to talk.

Hell!

He’s 88!

Whose business is it anyway

if the little rug rats giggle when he passes them

and the guy from ACE Hardware

won’t let him anywhere

close to where the chain saws and chisel’s are!

He knows she’s near.

He feels her little hand in his

and as soon as is humanly possible,

he’s going where she is!

So, just smile.

Stare into the jewelry store window

and sigh like there’s

a heart shaped diamond in there

you’ve wanted your whole life

but couldn’t afford for timing.

Feel his reflection in the window

meld into yours for just a moment

of mutual recognition

and then,

watch him stroll on by.