Read

"Living Water"

Published:
January 16, 2024
November 24, 2020
Read "Living Water", a poem about work ethic.|Read "Living Water", a poem about work ethic.

A dishwasher seemed essential,
so when mine broke down—
despite Covid knocking at my door,
I went out and bought one.
The delivery date was after lockdown,
but the installer arrived as scheduled.
Wiping his cracked brown shoes
on the rug, he said the store was closed,
but they were honoring deliveries.
Working on my laptop at the kitchen table,
I asked if the company would keep paying
its employees. No, he said, and shrugged.
I wanted to hug him, but, of course,
I kept my distance. Once he took a call from
his kids’ school—an upcoming meeting
he promised to attend. The job took two hours,
as he hummed Blue skies smiling at me,
making me grin, though the day was dreary.

After he tested his work and was sure
all was well, he loaded up his tools, pulling
on a stained and faded jacket, smiling sweetly,
missing teeth. Would he be insulted
if I over-tipped him? I took the chance,
guessing what he made went to decent
shoes and dental work for his children.
His acceptance was a gift. I didn’t know
he’d be the last person in my home for months
or that I’d still think of him now—when I hear
the hum and churn of the dishwasher—
a fellow traveler through unknown waters.

Creators:
Judith Sornberger
Published:
January 16, 2024
November 24, 2020
On a related note...
Animal Shelter Volunteer Gives Insight | Little Ways: Give Time

Animal Shelter Volunteer Gives Insight | Little Ways: Give Time

Grotto

Slowing Down to Find Refuge in the Woods

Slowing Down to Find Refuge in the Woods

Lucy Cobble

8 Tips for Having a Healthy Argument in a Polarizing Time

8 Tips for Having a Healthy Argument in a Polarizing Time

Marty Moran

Telling the Stories of Richmond, Virginia

Telling the Stories of Richmond, Virginia

Grotto

Good and Decent EP 15: Occupation Proclamations

Good and Decent EP 15: Occupation Proclamations

Grotto

The Power of a Simple Haircut

The Power of a Simple Haircut

Grotto

Welcome to the Neighborhood: Near North Side

Welcome to the Neighborhood: Near North Side

Jennon Bell Hoffmann

"The Near North Side is a heady mix of high-end luxury, energetic nightlife, and scene-making restaurants."

How I'm Holding on to Faith During the Sex Abuse Crisis

How I'm Holding on to Faith During the Sex Abuse Crisis

Megan Brown Czerwinski

These Bike Rides Make a Positive Impact

These Bike Rides Make a Positive Impact

Grotto

New Year’s Day Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

New Year’s Day Spotify Playlist | #GrottoMusic

Grotto

Free Download: Grotto's Guide to Old Town

Free Download: Grotto's Guide to Old Town

Grotto, Jennon Bell Hoffman

Is This What Heaven Is Really Going to Be Like?

Is This What Heaven Is Really Going to Be Like?

Josh Noem

Where to Find Hope in Darkness

Where to Find Hope in Darkness

Julia Weir

5 Ways to Make the Most of the Fall Season

5 Ways to Make the Most of the Fall Season

Lillian Fallon

Paralegal Expunges Criminal Records Free of Charge

Paralegal Expunges Criminal Records Free of Charge

Grotto

"Morning, My Privilege”

"Morning, My Privilege”

Judith Sornberger

"Souvenir"

"Souvenir"

Judith Sornberger

Preferences and the Preferential Option for the Poor

Preferences and the Preferential Option for the Poor

Ellen B. Koneck

Faith Inspired by Saint Oscar Romero

Faith Inspired by Saint Oscar Romero

Grotto

What Love Looks Like Below the Surface

What Love Looks Like Below the Surface

Robert Christian

newsletter

We’d love to be pals.

Sign up for our newsletter, and we’ll meet you in your inbox each week.