Walking Fast to Get to Nowhere

This is original; I didn’t get it from anyone else. The words and ideas are mine alone… so far. 🙂

I met a stranger here today
I did not know his name;
We smiled politely at each other
He nodded, and I waved.

And as we passed we cordially
inquired how the other fared.
We both replied in the positive
But neither really cared.

I met a friend upon the walk
I think I knew his name
We smiled kindly at each other,
I smiled, and he waved.

As we passed we cordially
inquired how the other fared.
We both replied in the positive
But wondered if the other cared.

I talked to God a bit today
I mumbled out His name.
I gave Him a passing nod,
And kept walking just the same.

As He passed he seriously
inquired how I fared;
I replied in the negative
Because I knew He cared.

I’ll pass many friends and strangers more
Before I end this day
We’ll give each other passing nods,
And smile, then, or wave.

And as we pass, we’ll cordially
inquire how the other fares.
We’ll both reply in the positive
But wonder if the other cares.