Ballad of Uplifting Meal

I saw the kind old soul again
At the local church dinner tonight
Served me green beans
To go with pork loin and mashed potatoes
A light gravy mountaintop just right

He just smiled and laughed
Content and pleased with himself
Happy and living for the moment
60 or 70, his eyes of pearly blue swells

Snapped a candid shot
From an angle off to the side
While he served some poor citizens
He did not notice it
Because I was a little shy

Then he took a seat
Among his little group of friends
Mr. Volunteer
Enjoying his humble meal
Talking seemingly to no end

We all have a story to tell
Everyone in their private lives
We all head home at night
The world through different eyes

They’ll all be shutting doors
Fixing to the tube
Getting in some snores
Not much else to do

And back to the simple man
He’ll also be home tonight
Most likely has a wife
Happily or not
I do not know, I’m sure that’s right
But it seems to me
He’s pretty darn content
Living this simple, homespun life
Mr. Volunteer
Like a saint decked in white

We go our separate ways
Me the young and eager
He the elderly and settled
I want to break free
From this small town prison shell
While I’m sure he’s got his mind set on heaven
And I’ve got my heart set on breaking free
Anywhere in my local circle, two different people,
Two different views on fate and destiny

Writing 201: Day 7 – Neighborhood, Ballad, Assonance