At this sentimental time of year, even the most hard-bitten snarks here in the Soup Tureen find their thoughts turning to home and family. Please indulge us as we share an old favorite; a holiday tale that speaks to us of what this season truly means…
As usual, he was the last to leave the towering office building that bore his name. International business didn't keep holiday hours, and neither did he. It was this drive and determination that had lifted him out of the tenements to the pinnacle of success.
“Home,” he told his driver, and opened his briefcase.
At a red light, he lifted his eyes from his papers. The sidewalks were crowded with people carrying bags and parcels, and he remembered it was Christmas Eve. Through the passing shoppers he glimpsed an old woman huddled in an alley. Her ragged coat offered scant protection against the biting cold, and her feet showed through the tattered remains of her shoes.
She was just another of the city's wretched bits of flotsam, but something about her touched him. On a sudden impulse, he told his driver to stop in front of an Army surplus store. He quickly selected a pair of sturdy boots, and told the puzzled driver to return to the alley.
The old woman hadn't moved. He placed the boots in the dirty snow in front of her and waited. She slowly raised her grey head, and her tired old eyes met his. She picked up the boots and held them a moment, as though she couldn't believe what he had given her, then chucked them at his head.
"Jeez," he exclaimed, dodging. "Way to hold a grudge, Ma!"
Happy holidays from Snark Soup. May your days be merry and bright, and your reflexes quick.
No comments:
Post a Comment