An Unexpected Gift

An Unexpected Gift

He sat on a blanket, empty pant leg tucked beneath him
A week’s growth of beard on his face was in need of a trim
His yellow shirt had seen better days, collar and cuffs frayed
Despite his problems, he smiled broadly, he was not afraid

He held a large sign on his lap, neatly written in black.
“Please help if you can, I’m going to get back on track
Willing to work a limited amount, you can see why
You’ll be surprised what can be done, by this old guy”

Jerry saw him sitting there, and knew he had to stop.
But traffic was thick, so he drove around the block.
He parked across the street, then walked up to the man.
“Hello, I’m Jerry, I’ll help you, let me give you a hand.”

The man looked at him and said, “One sec, I’ll be with you.
Let me grab my prosthetic leg, and put on my shoes.”
Jerry was surprised, for he hadn’t thought of that.
The man donned his shoes, and doffed an old hat.

“Shall we go?  I’m assuming you have some work for me.”
Jerry replied, “No, I saw you here, and just had to see,
If I could help you some, let’s have dinner in my home.
You can clean up, relax, for a night, make it your own.”

They drove to Jerry’s house, had a meal fit for a king.
While the man cleaned up in the shower, he began to sing.
It was a song of love, faith, hope, and maidens fair.
The singing was beautiful, wafting in the night air.

That night he fell fast asleep, in Jerry’s king size bed.
When Jerry woke at dawn, it seemed the man had fled.
The bed had been remade, the dishes washed and dried
On the counter was a note, Jerry’s wife began to cry.

“Thank you.  You were so kind to take me in last night,
You fed me, took care of me, made everything right.
I’m sorry I couldn’t be here now, but I had to go.
You did so much for me, there’s something you should know.

I’m a veteran, now you can guess how I lost my leg.
The one thing I never wanted to do, was beg.
And I didn’t, for my sign said I’d work all I could.
You gave your all to me, not worried about your own good.

In envelopes on the mantle, you’ll find a few bills.
Please use them as you wish, maybe you’ll have a few thrills.
Don’t try to look for me, I’m gone, but not so poor.
I’ve left to find someone else, who’ll take me in their door.”

His wife opened the envelopes filled with money,
Counted the bills, there were ten thousand in twenties!
Through her tears she said, “I know just what to do.
We’ll pay it forward, it’s the least we can do.”

The bottom of the note was signed, neat as could be,
The name clearly legible, for both of them to see.
Jerry gasped as he saw the man’s name, Jonathon Connor
Retired Army, recipient of, the Medal Of Honor.

Jim Dorrell
9/6/11