Moment

An older woman walked up to me 
after my morning swim
as I was walking stick my way out to my car
 slow as a fucking slug
and says

"I watch you come in here every day 
and exercise in the pool 
... I respect you so much"

"Thank you," I replied. 
"You are most kind
You just made my day"

Didn't help me move faster
or without my good friend, pain ... 
but that touch of simple human kindness inflated my lungs with emotion
with gratitude

As my long time compadre and friend
Cameron
is prone to say when moments like these 
arrive out of the ether

"Better than winning the lottery"

~ zjm

16/8/19