Touching Down

There’s an attractive middle aged lady

next to me

on the plane

to Mississippi.

 

I'm travelling to Biloxi

For a volunteer work trip,

alone and

maybe a little

scared.

 

She's telling me her life story,

Full of details about her family

That would be inappropriate to tell

most people

 

But for some reason she's comfortable

Telling me about her daughter's broken

engagement and

depression and

self esteem

issues.

 

She blames the chattiness on her new

prescription medication.

 

I give her the best advice I can, saying,

"Be patient. Everything takes time

to heal."

 

The woman pats my hand saying,

"You're a great Christian. You'll make a

wonderful father and a

wonderful husband someday."

I don't have the heart to tell her that

I am not a Christian.

Later, when we get off the plane,

She leaves quickly without saying

goodbye.

 

I stand alone

With one hand in the air

Waving at the back of her head

As she disappears

Into the crowd.