Complimenting a stranger at the market

at the stand with autumn

plums, I caught a glimpse of

a man. The words just came out:

Gorgeous vest.

Hmm, and the shirt too, no?

Yes! And the hat. The whole

outfit is on point, really.

Oh, stop!

So I did, as his cheeky smile walked

me to the next stand. I was

smiling too, thinking about the quick cascade of compliments

he so easily joined and then

abandoned. I got lemons

I would later squeeze

into my water for a tint

of zest. Adding flavor to

what’s already essential.