Journeyed by train to LA.
Thinking only about having a
simple walk-about 
kind of day.

Within a few steps, though,
we’re snapping pictures.
You know, 
that total tourist kind of way!

Heading out
to find a place
called Grand Central Market,
a super-sized food court space.

Walking past scenes, though,
that hurt my eyes…
A man eating from a trash can
would make anyone cry.

Then,  past old boarded-up theaters.
I could still see their glory days.
Imagining opening night people
with so much luxury on display.

It wasn’t lost on me,
the juxtaposition.
of images my brain
passed by that day.

But wait! 
There was more!
A place called
The Last Bookstore.

Housing books 
at the end of their run.
Why was this a place
recommended by someone?

Inside, 
instead of haggard displays,
with musty and old lingering scents,
books were found in whimsical ways.

And out came the wallet—money spent.
How could you not pick up one or two?
and give them one last chance
to feel new!

And both of you left LA that day
with a sense of Gratitude.