Praise

She stops on the sidewalk
Turns and raises her hands
In a prayerful gesture
She means to be thankful
He thinks

His dog meanders from side to side
Sniffing out a haven to protect
Oblivious to intentions
And wishes for a better world -
Attached by leash to its master’s belt

Her arms slowly lower to her sides
She begins to speak
Quietly, to no one present
Answering whispers in her head
Her own voice sharply rising, falling

He continues on
Knowing now he’ll never know
To whom her thankful praise was meant
What difference do her ravings make?
The sun shines down, and cars go by.

Copyright 2006 - E. Bond Francisco