noticing two couples
squishing into a selfie
i sauntered over
offering to be their photographer

holding my camera
the lake backdrop rippled sunlight
backstories were shared
interlaced laughter was clicked
and gratitude was expressed

after a still pause
before parting ways

I shared that I was taught
picture-taking kindness at eighteen
by sister jose
at seventy-six every time I apply her lesson
I still remember her name

one of the gentlemen
asked me my name
and spoke
when I have gray hair
I will click like you just clicked
and
I will still remember your name

I climbed the rock stairs
and turned around
and waved
to four smiling strangers

behind them
mirror lake waved wildly
bright milky ripples
arched out
through the universe

                                 Dona Palmer 9/13/21