How are you? July 7, 2026

while out walking, we ask this

all the time not knowing

how anyone will respond

the usual answer they pull

out of their shoulder bag

is I’m OK or Fine or Alright

but if they are so inclined, could stop,

lay down and unlock their life’s suitcase

and invite you in for a slow rummage

describe fresh falls, hearing, eye issues

new doctors, procedures, medications

infections, viruses, or other illnesses

or emotionally, on a scale of 1 to 10,

talk happy, sad, depressed or lonely,

alternating with complaints and injustices

which could be a significant length

of ear-bending and in this uncomfortably

hot climate, might cause one of the parties

probably you, to look at your watch

and suddenly say, You know, I’m

going to be late for an appointment,

hustle away and never look back