BOOKSTORE BLESSING

Entering the monastery bookstore,
surprised to find it vacant –
no customers, no shopkeeper.
A twist of fate turned surprise on its ear
as I heard a gentle, “Hello.”
Brother Rodrigo spoke the word
and then some more, “I remember you.”

Four years past, a one week retreat,
some light-hearted banter about lunch.
We have no choice in how we’re locked
away in someone else’s memory.
Like old friends, we step on each others words,
until the assurance of time slows our breath –
random stories shared in a desperate effort
to connect with our past and the present.

Soon laughter comes easily
as souls intertwine in a tangle of expectation.
The tales grow longer as we trust
each other’s eyes – a deeper mystery shared.
But then church bells peal – a call to prayer.
We smile knowingly as we finish our hour
of mutual bookstore blessing with a hug.
Later, a smile from the choir stall –
a resounding “amen.”