Simply Op

06/28/2026
At the coffee shop this morning a 5-year-old opted to sit next to me
A little attention and he quickly befriended me
We talked about the park, labeled all the letters on the building across the way
He couldn’t read yet, safe to say
Labeling vehicles, we gave it our best try
Neither of us knew that the car in front was a Porsche, won’t deny
Strawberry lemonade we investigated his drink
Sip test, not coffee, what do you think?
As it approached his time to leave, he asked my name again with a verbal practice repeat
His parents near, yet he didn’t quite want to depart from his seat
He looked to me and extended a beach walk invite
The next event in his Sunday plans, right
His parents gave me the, “That was nice, but also why is he inviting strangers to join us” look
Lol, a little attention does the soul good, heart shook
The family of three departed, moments later “bye” I heard a loud yell, glanced to see
Across the shop at the exit door, the little boy waved farewell to me
_______________________
Reflecting on the moment:
Kids thrive with a little attention
Kids need friends, too
When we are young, it is so easy to invite (as adults, we’re not all that great at it)
Sometimes it’s delighting in the simple things that matters most
I’ve always found it easier to engage with kids and old people 😀