15 minutes

i don't really know him
but i met him
not formally mind you
we didn't shake hands
but a greeting was said
and sometimes
that is enough
his name is William
a fine
solid name
he wore thick overalls
with a light wash jean jacket
he didn't look old
but he said he felt it
eighty - two
he told me to never get old
i smiled
cause sometimes i feel old already
he sat in silence
breathing heavy and hard
his heart was aging as well
he asked me the date
he couldn't remember the year
but yet
he had manners
he had class
respect and a smile
his own momma
had taught him well
he didn't forget that
so posh the date
posh the year
William talked to me
he told me a story in a few minutes
he left a lasting impact because
he let me talk
he smiled back
and he said
goodbye when he left
the room felt empty when he did
i miss him already