
an elderly man came into the bank today
he sported a black baseball cap
that was clearly too big for his noggin.
his wrinkled skin hung off his cheek bones
but he had the sweetest eyes
and a kind smile.
he was relatively short and soft spoken-
the picture perfect grandfather figure.
“good morning”, i said.
“hello”, he replied.
and he did something
something i did not expect-
he tipped his hat at me.
never in my life had i experienced this first hand.
i had seen this gesture in movies.
and read about it in novels.
but a man has never tipped his hat at me.
it seems silly that i should even care
but that quick memory resonates with me.
i realized that the caliber of men nowadays
does not compare with those in our past.
at least i think that’s how i see it.
some men today don’t know how
to hold open doors or write love notes.
some men today don’t know how much
a kiss on the forehead means.
some men today don’t understand that women
have real expectations and that is why love dies.
so thank you, sir
for tipping your hat at me today.
i don’t know your name.
i don’t know your age.
i don’t know your story,
but you’ve had an effect on mine.
please tell your son and
your children’s sons
to tip their hats.
that’s the gesture we want.
don’t let it die out.
it will mean the world to your son’s wives
and their children’s wives.
help happy girls inhabit the world.
-Alexandra Sexton