Daughters Serve Too

DAUGHTERS SERVE TOO

written by: Scott Pleasants

alone sat the man
somewhat disheveled on the outside
hair now just below his ears
and a five o’clock shadow
worn for several days

clothes also assembled
in no particular order
though they did match
all a sadden pattern of brown

as he poured his thoughts
into an empty cup
hoping for an early morning simmer
his worked hands wrapped around both sides
fingers overlapping

the aroma of life began to rise
when he took a deep breath
trying his best to inhale a new beginning
but this toll had been collected
and his mind was too weighted
to hold hands with rationality
or dance in a cranium of clear consciousness

and so he paused and pardoned
a gentle sneeze
and the particles of fatigue
franticly released into the air around him

as the passing waitress said
bless you
he said to her … thank you … thank you
for your service
as she continued walking wondering
how did he know