a brief, ordinary scene

on my way to work, between i & 24th st, deep in my stride, mind empty but for the tasks waiting for me.  she had all her gear on the sidewalk in a black garbage bag.  'good morning. love your hair.  slicked back & silver,' she said to me.  'thank you very much.  that is kind of you to say.'  'i have colon cancer,' she said.  'that sucks.  i am so sorry.'  'thank you for saying that.  i don't get to talk to many people during the day.'