THE THRIFT STORE

Based on a true story.

THE THRIFT STORE

He came in unnoticed and unannounced,

Head held low with a shuffle of cards gait

Beneath the rise and fall of last year's weariness.

A slight smile revealed teeth like fence posts

That leaned ever so slightly against their neighbor.

He made his way slowly past cast-off history and headed

Straight-away to the section of rare books storing their

Musty smell of durable antiquity, fingering each one as

Though holding a golden treasure.  He picked up a

Book of Walt Whitman's poetry and began to read.

Standing for quite some time, taking long slow breaths,

He read and then closed his eyes as if envisioning scenes

On the sepia pages.  When at last he noticed the twenty

Dollar price tag, he gently placed the treasured book back

On its shelf as a small tear trickled down his wrinkled cheek.

I knew his pride would not allow him to accept a gift of charity,

So I quickly took twenty dollars from my purse.  Dropping the bill

On the floor unnoticed I said, "Sir, I believe you dropped something."

Looking down at the bill, he bent to pick it up, then grasped my hand

In silence and gave me a look that must have been sent straight from heaven.

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Reviews

[M. J. Smith]

None today would do that. Save perhaps an old drifter who once gave a teenager a pentecostal handshake on New Year's Eve before riding away into a snowstorm.
Beautiful words reminding me of that long ago night. It is said that charity begins at home. People give to world hunger, children's funds overseas, but they look down on the less fortunate in their own towns. Thank you for reminding us all. There but for the grace of God go I...

[Miss Sharon]

Indeed my friend. One never knows what lies in store in their future. Thanks for reading! ~Sharon

[M. J. Smith]

When I was sixteen, we were having hard times. That New Year's Eve, I walked into a Catholic Church to get warm. An old man was there, praying. Ragged, poor, unkempt... Folks went out of there way to avoid him. I simply wished him a happy New year. When he shook my hand, he left behind what had to by his last handful of money. Everything he owned was strapped to a bicycle. He rode away into the night. I never saw him again. He came and went as mysteriously as an unknown angel. And who knows? Perhaps he was...

[Miss Sharon]

Thanks so much for sharing this! ~Sharon

[JE Falcon]

Such sweet stories heal the heart from all the scars brought on by hatred. Thanks for the smile.

[Miss Sharon]

Thanks so much for your kind remarks my friend! ~Sharon

[Donna]

This is a beautiful poem! The words you use and description is just perfect! From start to finish, just great!

[Miss Sharon]

Thank you so much Donna for your kind response to this write! I appreciate you. ~Sharon

[Pete]

this is an outstanding piece. the storyline, descriptive words and theme brilliant. i was engrossed from start to finish and the ending was icing on the cake. well done. bravo ... :)

[Miss Sharon]

Wowser! Thanks so much Pete for a wonderful review of this write. Muchly appreciated. ~Sharon

[andrew mitchell]

What a feel good story Sharon. Delightfully written. How an act of charity, generosity and kindness bring joy to two hearts. A winner I say.

[Miss Sharon]

What a lovely review Andrew! Thanks ever so much. ~Sharon

[Sami Khalil]

Wow! That was awesome Miss Sharon. Charity with cleverness and preserving the man's dignity at the same time. The gift of money from a good heart to the gift of knowledge to someone even in old age. May God bless you.
I like the metaphors too in this poem.

[Desert Knave]

Such an uplifting write. ~Jim

[Miss Sharon]

Thanks so much Jim! Nice to hear from you my friend. ~Sharon

[Dave Brown]

a wonderful gift of kindness
we have gift store operators and visitors as friends
it is amazing what can be found with careful looking

[Miss Sharon]

What a beautiful review Dave! Thanks so much my friend. ~Sharon

[Betty Hermelee]

Such an amazing act of kindness. I love the way you crafted this poem, it’s almost like flash fiction….a tear in one’s eye brings a gesture of compassion which goes a long way….and it sure show in this heartfelt poem.
It is very detailed and gives the reader a real feel for both people.
Thanks for sharing Sharon
Best
B.

[Miss Sharon]

You gave my heart a huge blessing with your beautiful words! Thanks ever so much my dear friend. ~Sharon

[Betty Hermelee]

You’re very welcome dear Sharon😊

[kym820]

I enjoyed reading your poem. I shop in a thrift store because I am cheap and looking for bargains, however, some people shop there because their finances give them no other choice. I love the way the character dropped the money and acted like it was the old man. This poem made me feel good inside.

[Miss Sharon]

(This poem made me feel good inside.) Thank you so much...that WAS my intention. ~Sharon

[TylerHavoc]

I love this! Such a wonderful description based on a first impression in your first paragraph. I am ashamed to admit, I have never read anything written by Walt Whitman. Great job and wonderful work!

Ty

[Miss Sharon]

Thank you SO much for a lovely review! And please...do yourself a big favor and read some of Mr. Whitman's work. You'll be glad you did! Thanks again for your review. ~Sharon