A Sign Of Progress

I saw a sign of progress today.
As I exited the temperature-controlled grocery store
To enter the warm rays of the afternoon sun,
Throwing up one arm to shield my retinas from burn,
I saw a sign of progress.

I located my car amidst the pack and
Took notice of an old man gathering shopping carts
Slowly, one by one, linking each to the previous cart's bondage and
Directly behind him I saw a sign
Reading, "Please return your carts here."

In the subtle firing of a synapse,
I wondered if the reason this old man,
Whose tonal qualities were many shades darker than my own,
Was working this afternoon out of choice
Or out of the need to supplement the Social Security that so insecurely met
his needs.

In a moment's whisper, I heard that old man speak out across the lot
To another old man, many shades lighter than myself,
Simply to offer a welcoming, "Good afternoon," to the other gentleman
And receive a warm response in return.

As I walked past their threshold, I glanced back,
Noticing that both men walked cautiously with each step towards the grocery
store,

One behind the other
At a pace that I would understand not for many years to come
And still within the time decay of that moment's whisper
I saw.

I saw that maybe with a simple acknowledgment by both parties
Humanity must have somehow progressed
For I previously had thought that the prejudice between these two men
Engendered ages back and still propagating in smaller amplitudes with each
new generation,

Would only pass with the passing of their aggressors

But today, I saw something.
I saw that in the wearied actions of two old men,
Maybe the greater purpose of mankind had been realized
And in that simple acknowledging exchange,
That there might be hope for a younger generation.

(all content Copyright National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the United States, 2000-2003, do not use without permission)