I see her everyday in my neighborhood
Early every morning like clockwork
Carrying a shopping bag
And scavenging garbage cans for treasure
She’s probably in her 70s
Nothing unusual about her
Probably homeless and searching for food
Are my first conclusions proved wrong
After seeing her for months while I walk my dog
I approach her one day and offer her $20 for food
She looks at me with disdain and refuses my offer
Not even politely she blows me off with pleasure
Long story short, two remarkable things happen
I see her one day at a flea market
With a table selling her wares
And discover soon after, she lives in a luxury condo
across the street from me
I surmise she retired years ago
Found herself bored or in need of funds
Was in good shape and clever
Knowing free inventory is money found
I judged her with typical city eyes
But applaud her for her discipline and courage
For she found the secret of one man’s trash
Is another woman’s payday and cash