"Precious"

Today I overslept
and had scramble to make it on time for a
dental appointment; then I hurried to the
Bank to beat the noon rush.
Afterwards I drove straight to the Library
and quickly checked out some audio books
before heading to the Mall to make a quick
purchase.  I looked for a short line
so I could pay and be on my way,
as I had other stops to make before
heading home.

I found the line,

took my place,
and waited... In just a bit
a middle-aged black woman,
with warm brown eyes looked up
from the cash register and motioned
for me,
"Come here, Precious".
I looked to the right, then to the left, and
over my shoulder.
There was no one else close by.
She was talking to ME.
"Precious"?
  It was quite obviously
her gentle Southern manner of speech 
for everyone, but I took it personally.
I slowed for the first time all day
and a smile crossed my lips.
I was reminded of a simple truth I
had been taught in childhood,

"There is power in words;

so choose them wisely."

 A word aptly spoken

is like apples of gold in settings of silver.
Proverbs 25:11 NIV