GO…


             
     I saw a man on the side of the highway.

I drive, returning from a task needed, from a blessing given.

It’s early.
    Coffee carafe in holder,
        radio soothing lyrical alarm-call,
            unshowered / newly-woken / hat-wearing me,
               smiling at the weather, the blue skies, the delicate clouds.

And then I see this man.

   He wears no vest. He is no city worker. He is no prisoner on mandatory duty.

He is simply a volunteer.
A citizen of his space.
And he’s walking the grassy medians of a dangerous road full of distracted, carless others…and he’s picking up trash.

    Stick.       Bag.       Heart of a servant.

I smiled. I knew “this is my 5 minute. But more, this is my example.“