I started to wake when I was two.
Before I knew
to look at anything or anyone
for something other than
who they were, or
what they could do.
Color, gender, wealth or age
meant nothing to me.
I was almost brand new.
I had no context to see
why such differences
should matter to me.
Mom and I were shopping
in the bargain basement
of the Five and Dime store
when I suddenly awakened in awe
to the most beautiful woman I ever saw.
“Mommy, I shouted with delight.
Look at the chocolate lady.”
The lady smiled. Mommy frowned.
She took my hand, turned me around,
and bending down
instructed me in a hushed voice,
“It is not nice to comment
on how anyone looks.”
The Lady saw my distress and guessed
I felt I had done something bad.
But, she smiled as if she were glad
and simply asked me with tender care,
“Do you like chocolate, little one?”
In joyful glee I replied “it is my very favorite thing.”
Mommy sighed, and apologized
for her daughter’s lack of manners.
“No need” was the reply.
And with a loving smile she knelt at my side.
“Thank you,” she said, “for seeing me
and thinking of me so lovingly.
And so I learned that day to stay awake
and notice all the wonderful people
surrounding me,
sharing love so easily.
annarino writes 