Lady

 

A lady used to sit by the temple where I lived. The footpath was her residence, and a cloth bag her only possession. Occasionally, whenever I passed by, I used to give her some money. She was poor but never asked for it. I never saw her speaking to anyone nor anyone speaking to her. She would wash her face, and comb her hair neatly. And ate whatever anyone gave her to eat. After many years I shifted my residence and settled into a new area nearby. After couple of months I spotted her sitting on a footpath near where I lived. And for the first time she looked straight into my eyes and said - you never told me you shifted. - I was taken aback. I replied - I never knew you could speak- I saw her smile for the first time. I gave her some money as usual. But this time she said - give me little more please. I’m seeing you after so long. - I gave little more and walked back to my house. She put it the same cloth bag and settled on her new footpath.