A STRANGER

   A STRANGER 

There’s a new face in town (they’re noticed instantly during the off season). Strangers this time of year run about two or three a week, those that appear and disappear within a day or two are usually professionals looking for business, insurance salesmen or accountants. Those who don’t leave right away are suspect. It’s not summer. It’s cold and raw. There are no redeeming features we are willing to credit to folks from away with appreciating. So why is this little round guy here? He’s very busy looking, sort of bustling, and he has a big and ready smile which he seems to dispatch to everyone and anyone at the drop of a hat. He makes eye contact. I encounter him all over the place and as I drive by, I give my customary, compulsory really, acknowledgment, the one folks have come to associate with me, wherein I raise the three middle digits on my right hand which is resting on top of the steering wheel. He waves back. Waving is a domestic and particular behavior out here on the islands and it usually signifies a certain residency. He’s only been her a few days. I’m not sure he can do that yet. He walks with a purpose. It seems like anyone who walks with such purpose shouldn’t be shaped quite the way he is. His eyes twinkle. He might be Santa out of costume. I’ll try to stay out of his way for a while so I can ponder his circumstances with the requisite foreboding. It’s difficult, though, to conjure up a negative image of him. Still, anyone with that ready a smile and such an engaging persona certainly should be regarded warily. He seems to speak as he smiles. Does he think I can hear him or is he speaking to her? That’s probably his wife. He looks as if he’s saying, “Dear, there goes Phil with whom I am well pleased.” Ah ha! This must be the new minister. Well, we’ll see. I’ll go this Sunday. The WIND, out little island paper, says it will be his first day in the pulpit.