3/20/93- Painter

                                                3/20/93
 
                         Painter
 
 I drove by him when working
 Perched on the edge of the shoulder
 Black umbrella tilted in a preserving fashion
 He studied the hills almost casually
 
 As I returned the decision to stop came corners away
 Something to do with my parents and the day
 I walked with the determination of a stranger
 And admired the view and his view of it
 We talked of culture, religion and love
 
 While he moved the umbrella with the burning sun
 He asked me to explain myself
 Almost as often as I do
 His abstractions pleased me as much as his history
 
 I never thought I would meet
 A Jew from Capetown with a paint spattered rubber glove
 On the side of the road
 On a Saturday
 
 Life offers you surprises when you take a chance.