A Stranger Who Noticed

Standing in line at the grocery store one cold, misty,
     gray Saturday in February (no makeup on, and hair untouched) . . . 
your eyes caught mine (one register up), and you did not look away,
     but, instead, you smiled.
And, something about the way that you smiled,
     I could not help myself from smiling back.

It was a small, subtle, HINT of a smile, but enough for you to notice.  

And, suddenly, I felt like a shy school girl.

I blushed, in spite of myself, and turned away.

Seconds later, you passed me by with your cart full of groceries,
     and, through the corner of my eye,
I could feel your gaze and your warm smile.

But, I did not have the courage to take a second glance.

You were just a stranger who noticed . . .
               on a day when I did not know I needed noticing.