We Are Well

On our walk this morning

we saw a man

who looked to be carrying his entire life

After living in this neighborhood

for almost a year

we recognize familiar faces

We didn’t recognize him

Small, obviously hungry

his features various shades of gray

rummaging through several

ripe and overflowing garbage bins

“Good morning,” he offered

face down

in a scratchy just-above-a-whisper-voice

“Good morning,” I answered

“How are you today?” he continued

“Well.”

I didn’t even have to think about it

Aren’t we always, though, in comparison?