6 Men...6 Separate Tables Poem by Jim Yerman

6 men once walked into a bakery…6 men all old and grey.
They sat at separate tables…it's how they began their day.

6 men once did not know each other…didn't give each other a second look
6 men sat alone with their coffee and donut…reading their newspaper…or a book.

6 men from different walks of life…all sitting independently
oblivious to those around them…unaware of their destiny.

One day 1 man smiled at another…this man returned his grin
then they began to talk together…soon the other 4 joined in.

And though still at separate tables (they are comfortable sitting this way)
they began to greet each other warmly as they began each day.

As the years went by this routine continued…6 men begin their day…
6 men sitting at 6 tables…and they wouldn't have it any other way.

1 man's wife dies unexpectedly…a loss he finds hard to bare…
When he returns to the bakery…5 men are waiting there.

5 men hug the other man…and when their hug is done
6 men at 6 tables…share the suffering of one.

Earlier I mentioned their destiny…of this there can be no doubt..
Where 6 men once walked into a bakery…6 friends each day walk out.

6 men who can't wait to get together…who help each other find their way
Showing how love, just like to donuts in the bakery where they meet…
is made fresh every day.