Friday, November 13, 2009

maybe in fifty years.

i was sitting in the subway sandwich outlet off the freeway having dinner with J, when the door tinkled and in walked an elderly couple. her, with her silver hair swept immaculately into a tight bun at the nape of her neck, walking slowly with her arm looped through the crook of his arm. him, with his glasses perched on the bridge of his nose, leaning on his walking stick for support, and yet, still proudly leading his wife to the booth. he went to the counter to order while she grabbed the utensils and napkins.

there was a strange disconnect between this elderly couple and the setting we were in--cheap fluorescent lighting, crappy rap music blaring through the speakers hanging from the ceiling and unswept floors with crumbs and scraps of the previous customers' meals littering the ground. they were so out of place and still, so comfortable in it.

they hardly spoke, but they moved in perfect unison, complementing one another. he unwrapped the sandwich and broke it into four parts, placing them neatly side by side. she unwrapped the straw and placed it in the cup so he would not be troubled by having to pick up his cup with his shaky hands. they ate in silence, chewing slowly on each bite that they took. occasionally, a glance in the other's direction and a napkin was slid over to the other, the drink passed from one to the other.

i was captivated. the routine borne from years of practice, so well rehearsed that no cues were needed at all. so simple, so ordinary, yet, so beautiful.

Posted by STINKY @ 3:22 AM