I Never Forgot

I never forgot how straight he stood.
Those years in the military gave him
an undeniable presence and he knew it.

Years earlier, I watched him walk away
unaware that I was there. Even his walk
had attitude. His t-shirt was tucked
into his back pocket and moved with him
as he made his purposeful way up the street.

After all these years, I remember it still.

Even today, he has a smile reserved for me.
I walk into the room after work and his whole
being shows delight and that smile warms me.
That same smile was one of the attractions
so long ago, before we knew of the other things.
It makes me feel special to know he cares.

After all these years, I still make a difference.