Señor y Señora

Admittedly, the first thing in my head
was not why this elderly couple
even has to bother filing taxes.
But it probably should have been.
Why a señor in his 80s
and a señora in her late 70s
would still have to work
after 59 years of marriage is something
I am not sure I understand.

We like to think that in our old age
that there will be time
to play a little golf, attend a few plays,
maybe knit a scarf for a grandchild,
or tend to the roses in the garden.

But if you are poor
and the medical bills are high
with the mortgage still unpaid,
I guess one must work.

So, we chat about their bills
and a small part of their lives
which I am blessed that they share.

And this señor y señora
sitting in front of me
express their gratitude that I am here
helping them with their taxes
for as we conclude,
a diminutive señora
wishes to thank me
by giving a small donation
which I cannot accept.

Instead, I suggest
that she give to the Franciscans
through her church.

And the smile she returns
is every bit more meaningful
a reward anyway.
A pretty smile from
a pretty lady named
Francisca.