I CANs

With the nightfall draping us in darkness around 4:15 pm during this time of year, I have noticed a woman wearing a hajib. She cleans one of the neighbor banks at night. The bank is lit up on the interior with the outside darkness almost like a theatrical production. I stand as an audience member wondering if she notices me because I would like to smile, wave and acknowledge her.

Then I remember with sadness a woman from Ethiopia, who sat down on the side cement steps outside of All Pilgrims Church earlier in 2017. She worked but was ashamed to say she was a custodian because she was not living the American Dream. I looked her in the eyes, smiled and said something about an honest day’s work and an honest day’s pay. I also mentioned that I am not sure if I have lived the American Dream. I can’t afford a house in Seattle, and maybe it is the “I CANs” that I understand not the “I CAN’Ts in the Ameri"can." Dream.

I hope the day this woman cleaning the bank looks up and out the window When I am standing there.I will smile and wave. You matter.