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Spiritual Journeys #2
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The Empty Place
| Spiritual Journeys #2 |
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The Empty Place |
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Local Parasite
since 2001-11-05
Posts 2527Transylconia, Winnipeg 
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There was a homeless man, advanced in years, Who had a bench beneath a city light Where he would whittle out his final days Brooding upon a book throughout the night. On one such night, a man of like regard, Much younger though he was, brandish'd a knife Against the old man's neck and threaten'd him, Demanding him his money or his life. "Vain man, confuse my wealth not with the sum Of what on earth is ours; for what is His Beyond all monetary number spans: This book," he said, "is all the wealth that is." Thus gave he up his wallet happily; And, much astounded (curious even more), The thief return'd again a second night To where the old man was the night before. Surely, he knelt in likewise posture, still Upon that bench, but walking with his eyes Across the sands of Egypt; till a knife Again his semblance startled to surprise: Not from necessity, but injured pride, The stranger scrutinized his subject well Before demanding he give up his coat That kept him guarded from the winter chill. "My coat is yours," the man replied, and smiled: "Warmth shall it bring to you. By charity That warmth is brought; the gift is mine and yours. This book," he said, "is all that shelters me." Thus gave he up his jacket happily And did without. Until, a later night, He weary was from lack of eating, cold, Barely the visage of a living wight--- Yet no less reading with his tired eyes Until, within the minute of his death, He caught the edge of that familiar knife And brought to hold, from fear, his final breath: Knowing he nothing had, but out of spite, The thief return'd to where the old man lay Possess'd with fury, naught desiring but To take that book, his sole estate, away: Tears came upon the old man's eyes, and joy Flush'd through his features at the thief's request. "My friend," he said, "I thought you'd never ask." And placed his book into the stranger's trust. So nameless and alone his body lay 'Til it retrievèd was. An empty place Inhabited that bench for many a night, For there was none to occupy his space: The subject of his late inheritance Was wandering a distant wilderness. [This message has been edited by Local Parasite (08-28-2004 11:20 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2004 Brian James Lee - All Rights Reserved | |||
Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Brian, I don't think I have mentioned how incredibly gifted you are as a poet for too long a time, so allow me to tip a hat, and say it now. What a moving poem.  |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Local, Enjoyed the read. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
On, Bravo! Brian! You brought tears to my eyes not only with the story, but the poem's style and form. It was as if I were reading one of the masters. Sometimes I wish I could stand in your shoes.  MamaK |
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EvocativeVerse2 Senior Member
since 2003-09-10
Posts 1279 |
Hey Brian. First time I came in here. Hope you don't mind me reading this...but as a poet who thinks rhyme and meter are important...though often ignored these days... I was encourage to take a look at your work. Very well done. I like what you have done within this piece. Even the storyline was intriguing...and kept me reading 'til the final, "." and been seen. I loved this...thank you for sharing your gift. Remember, if you're not part of the future, you're history! |
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Larry C
since 2001-09-10
Posts 10286United States |
Brian, This is a keeper of classic portions. So very well written a story of values shared. Bless you... If tears could build a stairway and memories a lane, I'd walk right up to heaven and bring you home again. |
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littlewing Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655New York |
Hey Bri, *smile* I miss you . . . His late inheritance was wandering that wilderness already . . . it leads me to believe this is why he was sent to the man in the first place, it is now for him to decide his path. This is a beautiful testament to faith, we all have a lesson to learn from this. I thank you . . . (this came at the perfect time, as I am reading all the Gibran I can get my hands on) Suzie |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Great poem, Brian! Very, very heartfelt here. .....jo |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
I'm enjoying the wonderfully poetic way you reveal your tender heart. You choose your words and form with obvious care, to match the content. |
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Copperbell Senior Member
since 2003-11-08
Posts 956 |
I love this... |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
A remarkable poem! I'm glad I got to read it. You are so talented! Trillium Betty Lou Hebert |
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arthur Senior Member
since 2001-08-14
Posts 678england |
i do love a good story poem and this is a good story poem arthur |
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myheart Member
since 2004-11-05
Posts 160lost in your eyes |
this is by far an exceptional write. |
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Lighthousebob Member Elite
since 2000-06-14
Posts 4725California |
WOW!!!! I can't help but aspire that the younger took the elder's place, at least in spirit, for such is life passing on lessons to continuing generations. Amen. Good job. Bob |
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EagleScorpion Senior Member
since 2000-03-08
Posts 1644Here, Now, Forever |
You are wise beyond your years. You are a God among ants. |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
wow Brian, this is truly AMAZING. your talent amazes me, your depth amazes me.... the message touches me. This is truly wonderful and yes, it does belong among the masters. yep, it does.  |
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saved_by_grace Member
since 2005-01-08
Posts 332In the arms of God... |
AMAZING, Local! Thanks for sharing this one!! God bless, Becka  |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
I don't know how I could have possibly missed this when it was first posted. Very impressive. Love, Joyce |
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jjote Senior Member
since 2002-12-25
Posts 1088Ontario, Canada |
This is a thought-provoking story. Makes me wonder, I hope the thief profited from finally taking that book. I guess that was the Bible, and so instead of wandering in his wilderness and in darkness, by reading the Book, he'd find light and true peace. |
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