I woke up with a mighty thirst that water could not slake. To quench my thirst, a soda pop, is just what it would take.
I headed down to Merkle’s store. The time was eight o’clock. I said good morning to the clerk. He turned and what a shock.
The young man stood there out of place, his bull ring was impressive. It pierced his nose, hung to his lip. Did that mean he’s aggressive?
I must admit I was confused. A bull ring for your nose? I’ve seen bulls bellow out with pain as their ring came to a close.
We gave each other searing stares. I swear he stared right through me. Did he see me as I saw him? Dang sure a mystery.
I stood there with my cowboy hat, pulled way down past my ears. A toothpick hanging out my mouth. He hadn’t seen that for years.
I asked the clerk, “You got a name?” He said, “My name is Lee. I moved here from the city and you’re not too sure of me.”
An answer shot right out my mouth. “You’re some kind of picture. City boy with a bull-ring nose. A statement with a mixture.”
Lee said, “I’m looking strange to you, I guess I’m out of place. But where I’m from you’d be the one who’d claim stares to his face.
Lee said, “Your drink is free today. You want a soda pop?” He took my mug and poured some ice, then filled it to the top.
He really got me thinking. It made a lot of sense. Tomorrow when I buy a pop, I won’t be so intense.
My father taught me his own rules. I’m reminded of this one. Treat every person with respect. They’re, too, a mother’s son.
I said, “I’d like to make you welcome, from a fool who’d be a friend. Let’s shake and start this over, we can get this on the mend.”
I left there feeling humbled and a little bit contrite. But feeling warmth all over from an act that turned out right.
– Bryce Angell
– Bryce Angell
