So much gentleness from unknown men

for no particular reason.

Once in Paris a waiter turned to me: “Chérie!

Don’t forget your cigarettes.”

And in a London market, when

I wanted to buy a Beatles record,

the stall-holder sighed: “What can I do, love,

if the price goes up again?”

In New York airport, an old black man

took me to the right gate, saying:

“Don’t panic, baby, just follow me!”

And I followed in his footsteps.

Translated by Ruth Fainlight