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Open Poetry #27
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suthern
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0 posted 2003-06-12 05:10 PM


New people weren’t an oddity but once a special four
Formed a bond beyond the office like they’d been friends before.
Bret was ruggedly handsome, a pure prankster through and through
Henri had a ready argument for if sky was blue.
I was facing a divorce and losing my sanity
Steve, meanwhile, had cornered the market on stability.
Breaks were always spent together, lunches often were shared
If someone needed a friend, three were instantly there
They called the guys “Ruth’s Harem” but our quest was not romance
We just enjoyed each other whenever we had the chance.
We rejoiced in Bret’s wedding, were excited by Steve’s child
Folks thought us a strange grouping - we just looked at them and smiled.
But life can’t remain stagnant... Steve found a much better job
Henri and I were transferred - we were not the same old mob.
But Steve had great perception, knew how I needed a friend
Wondered that I would not hug... though sometimes I'd pretend
So I became his project: Hugging lessons every week
Until I stopped withdrawing, he kept giving his critique.
He knew the reasons why, of course, I feared too much a touch
I’d carefully built barriers, limped on with bitter crutch.
There wasn’t any cheating - his wife knew he was with me
He chipped through my resistance, tossing out mental debris.
I moved to a new city, got a letter in the mail
Steve had developed rare cancer and all treatments had failed
I choked back tears and called him, he had just a whisper left
Holding on for his son’s birth; I was sucker punched, bereft.
He got to see his baby boy and lasted one week more
I came home from the funeral angry at God, heartsore.
And then I got a phone call in the middle of the night
I knew from the lateness of hour that something wasn’t right.
“Who is this?” I demanded, but then I could not believe
When a man so softly whispered, “I’m sorry... this is Steve.”
Goosebumps popped out over me, I was shaking to the bone
I don’t believe in ghosts but just who was that on the phone?
Don’t know why I didn’t slam it down, but my hand was stilled
I knew I had to talk with him though my blood was quite chilled.
And the man was a stranger, dialing me was a mistake
He wanted to say goodbye, then his life he planned to take.
I don’t remember what was said, but we talked for ages
And from despair I walked him back in minuscule stages
Until at last he sobbed to me that he would be okay
And promised to find counseling before the end of day.
“Why did you do this for me?” was the last thing that he asked
“This can’t have been much fun for you but you embraced the task.”
I told him there’s an angel and that they share a name
My angel gave so much to me and it would be a shame
If yet another fine young man left this world far too soon.
Then I walked to my window, blew a kiss up to the moon
Told Steve I’d miss him always... that he lives on in my heart
He gave enough for me to give someone else a fresh start
Compassion extends itself - we may not see our reward
But we perform a miracle when we make life less hard
Our actions may seem small to us; another soul they’ll tug
Towards a brighter tomorrow... Thanks to Steve, I now can hug.

HSB 4/27/55-8/5/86

© Copyright 2003 suthern - All Rights Reserved
Cpat Hair
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1 posted 2003-06-12 05:14 PM


dang woman.... you rip the heart out of a fellow with this kind of story telling and leave him thinking how small for having not been there for some..when they most needed it...

you write it good... and the story truly heart touching.

Martie
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2 posted 2003-06-12 05:17 PM


Oh my, suthern...this had be in tears.  What a wonderful and amazing poem.  I'm not sure I can express adaquetely how moved I was by it.  Thank you, thank you for sharing this!!  
Earth Angel
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Realms of Light
3 posted 2003-06-12 05:26 PM


Your whole story could be made into a movie! I experienced so many emotions--from warm and fuzzy ones, to sad ones, to goose-bumpy ones! This truly was special, Dear Ruth!

My fondness and respect for you is even greater after having read this.  

Love & Eternal Light,
Linda

Janet Marie
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4 posted 2003-06-12 05:31 PM


For (2) reasons you already know...
this poem hits me square in the heart, and like Martie...words pretty much fail me...
but once again...you already know.
For now, I'll place this in my library under treasures and just say thank you for your rhymes divine.

Yes...you know...and ... you know that I know.

Ratleader
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5 posted 2003-06-12 05:52 PM


.....psst....Laura.....well done! This is one simply amazing piece of poetry, and it had to be hard just to talk about it, let alone do it so beautifully and compassionately....

~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>   ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>  ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº>    ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº>
______________Ratleader______________

nakdthoughts
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Between the Lines
6 posted 2003-06-12 06:33 PM


I can't say  anything more than what has already been said. You have a wonderful way of bringing it to life.

And if true, what a wonderful experience and friends.

M

Magnus
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7 posted 2003-06-12 06:51 PM


Yeah,  what they all said....gosh,  you
pulled all the right strings with this poem.

JamesMichael
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Kapolei, Hawaii, USA
8 posted 2003-06-12 06:56 PM


A silky smooth touching of my heart.  Magnificent writing...James
Midnitesun
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Gaia
9 posted 2003-06-12 06:57 PM


somehow, you know exactly where my aorta is

I'm gulping after reading this one, Ruth

Enchantress
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Canada eh.
10 posted 2003-06-12 07:00 PM


After all the superlatives have been used..
what can I say..except than you for this one.
~Smiles & Heart Hugs, Nancy~

~Somewhere in my heart I'm always
dancing with you in the summer rain~

1slick_lady
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standing on a shadow's lace
11 posted 2003-06-12 07:27 PM


suthern..this is so touching and tender...thank you
Nightshade
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12 posted 2003-06-12 07:47 PM


Gee Whiz Ruth!! Luckily I have plenty of kleenex on hand for my cold, cause this write had my emotions all over the place! Excellent. hugs to you sweet lady. Chris

"Hope" is the thing with feathers-
that perches in the soul....
                  
                       -Emily Dickinson

suthern
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13 posted 2003-06-12 09:05 PM


Cap'n: No guilt or ripping intended. *S* I'm just so glad that one name stopped my hangup reflex... so I didn't read it again in obits. *S* Thank you so very much! *S*

Martie: And your response dampens my eyes. *S* Thank you so very, very much. *S* And now dry your eyes, sweet lady... and be glad for good people who make a difference. *S* I'm humbled that for a few hours, I was one of them. *S*

EA: Then I am truly blessed. *S* Thank you so much... from fuzzies to goosebumps! *S*

JM: Yes... I do. *S* Which is why your reply means so much to me... thank you. *S*

Ratleader: It's been in my head so long I thought it was written... found out otherwise when I started looking for it... then couldn't write fast enough. *S* But yes... the phone call part approaches unbelievable... and there's still a place in my heart missing my friend. *S* Thank you so very much, kind sir. *S*

nakdthoughts: It's true... everything I wrote really happened. *S* I thank you so very much for liking the telling. *S*

Magnus: Thank you so much for that... I was afraid the length was a problem... but it insisted on being one story... whether my fingers got tired or not. *G*

James: To touch another's heart is all any poet can ask... thank you very much. *S*

Midnitesun: I took more than a few gulps myself... even when the grieving is long over, the missing remains. *S* Thank you so much! *S*

Enchantress: That's saying an awful lot, enchanting one. *S* And I appreciate it so much! Thank you!

1slick_lady: Thank YOU for reading and liking... that means a lot to me. *S*

Nightshade: I wish you a quick return to good health, dear lady... and eyes free of any hurting tears. *S* Thank you so very much!

passing shadows
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displaced
14 posted 2003-06-13 04:55 AM


girl! you can write!

you rock!

Toerag
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Ala bam a
15 posted 2003-06-13 07:40 AM


Wow...this is exceptional!...whatta story....whatta poem!
Marge Tindal
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16 posted 2003-06-13 09:27 AM


SweetSuthernGal~
This is among the finest of your writes~
It's that touching that you do so well~

What a blessing you received ... what a blessing you gave~
Love ya' gal~
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com

garysgirl
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17 posted 2003-06-13 10:01 AM


Ruth, I wish that I could express to you just how much your wonderful story touched my heart...because it came from your heart.

My dear friend, you are one of the best "huggers" I have ever met, so I know that your dear friend, Steve, taught you very well. His compassion and care helped  to get through the walls and barriers that you had built around your heart. (My Gary and I both know about those barriers and walls).

I know that the other "Steve" was very thankful to you the next day and every day thereafter.

You know, dear Suthern Lady, we never know just who's heart we may touch with out love and concern, do we?

Thank you so much for sharing your heart with  us. And, this is a keeper for me, too.

Many, many hugs to you, sweet lady
     
Ethel

[This message has been edited by garysgirl (06-13-2003 10:02 AM).]

Edder
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18 posted 2003-06-13 10:13 AM



shouldn't have opened this one at work! a touching and beautiful write!

Susan Caldwell
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19 posted 2003-06-13 10:19 AM




Susan

suthern
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20 posted 2003-06-13 10:44 AM


PS: Why thankie, ma’am! *S* I appreciate that... very much! *S*

Toerag: I’m so very glad you enjoyed, dear friend. Thank you so very much! *S*

Marge: What a blessing you are, sweet lady... I thank you so! *S*

garysgirl: You are so dear... and I thank you with all my heart. *S*

Edder: Didn’t mean to cause you problems. *G* But I’m glad to know it reached you... thank you! *S*

Susan: I thank you most sincerely, ma’am. *S*

Eromyna
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21 posted 2003-06-13 11:27 AM


Very touching. I'm on the verge of tears.

"I don't need to scream for you to deem me aggravation."

Pilgrimage
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22 posted 2003-06-13 12:20 PM


I'm crying, but it's a good cry-just hope no customers come in til the red clears up. Great poem-great story!

Nan (Pilgrim variety)

suthern
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23 posted 2003-06-14 01:56 AM


Eromyna: I sincerely thank you for being so touched. *S*

Pilgrimage: Ordinarily, I wouldn't wish you a time without customers and their cash. *G* But this time, sweet lady, I do... if just for a while. *S* Thank you so much!

All: I can't tell you how much your kind reception and generous responses mean to me... I just thank you from the bottom of my heart. *S*

Local Rebel
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Southern Abstentia
24 posted 2003-06-14 10:54 PM


Auntie -- your heart is as big as the sky.

     

passing shadows
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displaced
25 posted 2003-06-15 05:17 AM



Mysteria
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26 posted 2003-06-15 05:51 AM


I believe in angels, and you had one that night with you.  Oh this tugged my heart in so many ways, I will just say thank you for sharing this story.  Beautifully penned Ruth.
Nan
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27 posted 2003-06-15 07:59 AM


You're a wondrous suthern lady, my friend - This piece is one of your best...
jellybeans
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28 posted 2003-06-16 02:10 PM


ah lady...my bookmark was for open 26, and I kept looking for this and thought you hadn't posted it yet...then I did a search and low and behold...
course I already told you just how much I love this...so I will just claim my ditto priviledges and ditto all the above great comments
love you lady

BluesSerenade
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By the Seaside
29 posted 2003-06-16 02:21 PM


Our actions may seem small to us; another soul they’ll tug
Towards a brighter tomorrow... Thanks to Steve, I now can hug.

What a wonderful bond you shared with your friends, I am so sorry to hear about Steve.  The beginning was so upbeat, I had a feeling the ending was going to take another turn.

You are truly blessed to have such caring friends, and yes, this tugs at my heart.

Suthern


Ceinwyn
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VA
30 posted 2003-06-16 02:50 PM


i'm crying i never know what to say!! gave me goosebumps..

If at first you don't succeed destroy all the evidence that you tried.

Edder
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31 posted 2003-06-16 02:58 PM


saw this back at the top and couldn't resist another read.
suthern
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32 posted 2003-06-16 03:33 PM


My dear nephew: I’ll admit that Auntie had to do a quick check to figure out just WHAT those smilies were doing??? LOL But I do appreciate the support... and you. *S* Thank you very much!

PS: Thank you for that lift, ma’am... very much! *S*

Mysteria: I did indeed. *S* Thank you so much for enjoying the share, kind lady... I know you have angels, too. *S*

Nan: You’re a dear... and I thank you so much! *S*

jellybeans: Ahem... note to jellybeans... suthern’s the blonde! LOL Thanks for looking until finding... I love you, ditto lady. *S*

BluesSerenade: It was wonderful... something I’ll never forget. *S* Thank you very much! *S*

Ceinwyn: Your response was wonderful... and I thank you so much! *S*

Edder: What a great compliment... it’s sincerely appreciated! *S*

Mistletoe Angel
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33 posted 2003-06-16 11:59 PM




(tears fall down my cheeks) God Bless You, dearestr friend, you deserve extra big angel hugs after writing this most golden poem! (sends extra warm angel hugs) You know, you and I come of similar heart. Me, I almost gave away my life, then God pushed me back from the ledge and He seemed to hint to me that some great great tiding was coming my way and I would find new doors to open when I felt every door was shutting me in the face and finally I found solace with Him as like my entourage! (big hugggssssssss) People will come into our lives and touch us so deeply, and your poem has touched me so deeply as Steve will always shine in your heart, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Suthern, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

Underneath your clothes, there's an endless story

***Shakira***

suthern
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34 posted 2003-06-17 01:33 PM


M'Toe: You never fail to impress and humble me with the kindness of your heart. *S* I truly thank you. *S*
QjQ
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since 2003-04-18
Posts 3756
U.S.A.
35 posted 2003-06-25 04:13 PM


A voice of honesty
   is treasured
more than voices
   of flattery
      QjQ


Elizabeth Santos
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since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
36 posted 2003-06-25 04:20 PM


I'm so glad I popped my head in the door and found this amazing poem. You have a wonderful story telling ability and the words to touch anyone's heart
Great poem
HUgs and hugs
Liz

Artic Wind
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since 2007-09-16
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Realm of Supernatural
37 posted 2009-03-24 04:26 PM


Ugh Life, doesn't it bite sometimes? ~ but also, mostly it's the best!
This is emotion filled dear Ruth, and I felt them all as I read, but of course not a seriously as you did.


ARCTIC WIND

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