I didn't realize
How much this meant to me
Until recently
People have sympathized
With me
Hated me
Or otherwise ignored me
But today
Was the first day
A near stranger gave me a ride
I knew him from middle school
Back then, he was a bit of a jerk
Neither of us were considered cool
But he had a plan for him that would "work"
His life was layed out before him
Something in common with his friends
My life, on the other hand, has been grim
And most of mine met unhappy ends
Our paths crossed again today
At work, no less
He was bright, cheery and helpful
I was suspicious, I must confess
He insulted my intelligence behind my back
I heard it then, and brought it up
He was honest enough to apologize
But it still hurt until today
Maybe I didn't know this boy
Who'd finally become a man
After all
Maybe he'd changed for the better
While I stayed a broken ronin
Stained by the bad weather
Or maybe, like me
He was trying to make up
For his mistakes
Whatever the case,
Someone I never expected
To ever show me kindness
Showed the most kindness I've ever felt
He gave me a ride home on his break
HIS BREAK!
And we started talking about who else I knew
Who might be able to give me a ride
He asked if my parents were working
Well, my mom was, and I let it be assumed
That my dad, who was drunk off his ass
Sleeping it off was as well
My brother and his girlfriend
I explained the situation with them
One was working, and the other sleeping
Too tired to drive right then
So, a near stranger gave me a ride
I'm glad it was raining
He couldn't see the tears well up in my eyes
And I don't think he'll ever know how much that meant
