In the waiting room of my doctor’s office
a man’s name is called and he stands.
Another patient recognizes him. Hi Jim.
Oh hi Bob, Jim says hobbling
toward the exam room door.
Are you still on the ice cream committee?
Bob wants to know.
Yes. Still. Sixteen years now.
What have we learned
from this brief exchange?
Jim has found his usefulness
in the vast order of the world.
He shows up, he works with others,
he does his part to sweeten time.
And he lasts.