OPAL AND ARLO

I saw a familiar stranger
down at the dollar store.
I spoke, she spoke, we chatted awhile
and then she told me more.

Her ministry at the prison
had blessed this country lady.
She had fallen in love, deeply in love
with a man who was incarcerated.

Her gap-toothed smile beamed with joy
and her weathered cheeks turned pink.
She was beautiful in her natural way
dreaming of a man in the clink.

It seems his feelings were mutual
and marriage was in the plan.
They’ll stand surrounded by bars and guards
and give each other their hands.

Their hands will be all they can give
unless he can be set free.
Maybe some day Opal and Arlo
will set sail for the seven seas.