Charles Bukowski: helping the old

helping the old

I was standing in line at the bank today
when the old fellow in front of me
dropped his glasses (luckily, within the
case)
and as he bent over
I saw how difficult it was for
him
and I said, "wait, let me get
them. . ."
but as I picked them up
he dropped his cane
a beautiful, black polished
cane
and I got the glasses back to him
then went for the cane
steadying the old boy
as I handed him his cane.
he didn't speak,
he just smiled at me.
then he turned 
forward.


I stood behind him waiting
my turn.