unexpected gift.

the tar was hot, 

the car was hot, 

i pulled the baby out of his car seat

as we stumbled into the pizza shop. 

i didn't think all the way through

how i was going to juggle 

tow hot pizzas,

breadsticks, 

and a baby 

back to the car. 

a man behind the counter, 

bumping into people, 

his arms and shoulders covered in 

tired tattoos, faded. 

the hair in his beard, also tired and gray. 

he was the first to offer

to help me to the car, 

pizzas in his hands, 

i was ever so thankful. 

he did not speak to me, 

but as he placed the cardboard boxes on the carseat

he spoke to my baby.

"you look just like your mother. 

exactly like her. 

hair and everything."

and that really made my day

and made me feel seen and proud. 

he asked me,

"hasn't anyone told you that?"

no sir, no one ever had. 

but i am so grateful you took 

the time to.