Some days I want to give up on humanity

It’s why I only work a few days a week

All the drama and emotion, people spewing out – it’s all insanity

And no, I’m not a therapist

But I often just sit and listen

I really hope we won’t be left like this

So on my days off I hide

You won’t even find me online

Nah, I get outside

I don’t care to see anyone

The peaceful solitude is better than the sun

But tonight on our walk, me and my husband were struck

Hit like lightning but with kindness

We walked around some pick-up trucks and all the cars along the fence

So many vehicles along the street on a Wednesday night

“There’s always a million people in that house,” I said

Right after we passed two guys came out and they shined like a light

They yelled to us, “Hey, are y’all hungry? We have a bunch of people over for some food”

What was with their attitude?

Whatever it was, it brought me back to life

We politely answered, “No, thanks” because we had tacos at home

The one guy opened his arms and said, “Well, every Wednesday night…”

Maybe a little something is right

Hospitality in the neighborhood

People feeding their neighbors like they should

And one more thing: the dental hygienist today who cleaned my teeth

She must herself feel like a therapist

She scraped away my plaque, saw the me underneath

We had a moment: talked kids, the election, movies

She was like an old friend

I didn’t feel like it was pretend

She even called me later to confirm the movie I’d told her about

There is some goodness still in people, I don’t doubt

Strangers’ kindness

And a professional’s friendliness

I feel myself leaning into them, to follow

I feel a little more ready now to face tomorrow

I hope the world moves more toward this