different now

the restaurant manager said things are different now.

“people don’t smile anymore when they come in.”

(i remember my grandma, years ago,

corners of her mouth fallen

in the tired years of her life.)

yet she welcomes them, each one.

–

the teacher said things are different now.

“the children don’t listen anymore when i speak.”

(i remember my classmates, years ago,

laughing so often but

seeming to trust almost never.)

yet she wishes they knew

they were all on the same team.

–

i can’t really say if things are different.

(i remember the sad eyes

and the guarded hearts.)

yet i wonder if no matter if

the world at large

getting worse or the same as ever,

the important thing is what you offer

to the people right in front of you.