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jwesley
Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563
Spring, Texas

0 posted 2004-02-18 08:30 PM


From Boyhood Tales
(The Gift of Flowers)

A romantic since first I saw the moon and stars together,
combined with always being broke in my teenage years,
I had to innovative many things.
Flowers, for instance;
I probably gave more flowers to teenaged girls
than most boys ever thought about.
Cemeteries were my main source,
being a repository of amazing bouquets
of the most beautiful flowers available,
with a variety that rivaled any florist.
I didn't steal them - stealing is taking something without permission.
I always stood before a grave and asked permission,
explaining my reasons for wanting the flowers,
and after a suitable waiting period,
I assumed no answer was a positive one,
so I took the flowers and ran like a bee-stung dog,
just in case they were chasing me,
knowing all the while that spirits had to stop at the cemetery perimeter.
Now, being much older - maybe more mature -
I see the error in my thinking
and take flowers to, rather than from, the cemetery.
Then again, I am not fifteen,
nor am I always broke,
and I don't run like the wind anymore.
But the heart still wants to give flowers
to mothers and daughters,
and my soul still enjoys the warmth of the smile
that flowers bring, so I don't know . . .
maybe I'd have to hobble away instead of run,
tell the truth about the state of my purse,
apologize for stealing a rose, a tulip,
or a whole bouquet,
and maybe, just maybe,
the spirits would understand
it's love that's brought me here,
and it's love I share with them
for the gift they give me to give.
I'm still basically a romantic,
but changed in one subtle way . . .
I don't give flowers anymore,
not since my wife has worked in a florist shop -
I Receive them now, regularly!


wesley james beard, jr.
© february 2004

© Copyright 2004 Wesley James Beard, Jr. - All Rights Reserved
J.Samm
Member
since 2004-01-12
Posts 415
Iloilo City, Philippines
1 posted 2004-02-18 08:49 PM


do you know that feeling when you magnificent thoughts fill your mind and you feel so good that your heart wants to burst? whew! that's what i felt when i read your poem. awww, and you're such a sweet guy too!
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
2 posted 2004-02-18 08:58 PM


Jimmy....tsk tsk...   Really enjoyed this!  
muted
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2004-01-15
Posts 2949
Elapsing, Eclipsing, Evolving
3 posted 2004-02-18 09:19 PM


a very sweet rememberance...very much enjoyed

Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia
4 posted 2004-02-18 10:42 PM


Hey Wesley

I just loved this so very much and wow, how the tables have turned as you now receive the flowers.  My husband uses the excuse that I have so many beautiful flowers in my garden that he doesn't need to buy me any!!  Just quietly, I think this is a bit of a cop out, what do you reckon?lol

Thank you for sharing this fabulous story.

Take care........Sue

I am in motion
I am blue
Love is an ocean
I'm anchored in you
- Shawn Mullins

1slick_lady
Member Ascendant
since 2000-12-22
Posts 6088
standing on a shadow's lace
5 posted 2004-02-19 02:04 AM


so sweet
HopeS
Member Elite
since 2000-12-22
Posts 4596
Perth Western Australia
6 posted 2004-02-19 02:35 AM


Your heart gave those reasons and that alone is a gift

Hope

passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
7 posted 2004-02-19 02:50 AM


precious
Gentle Spirit
Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989

8 posted 2004-02-19 07:59 AM


JIMMY!  So good to read your wonderful words again, have missed them.  Hugs.
Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
9 posted 2004-02-19 09:32 AM


JWesley~
This is just a WONDERFUL tale~
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*When the heart grieves over what it has lost,
the spirit rejoices over what it has left.
- Sufi epigram <))><

noles1@totcon.com

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
10 posted 2004-02-19 04:52 PM


...and maybe, just maybe,
the spirits would understand
it's love that's brought me here,
and it's love I share with them
for the gift they give me to give.

~*~

You ARE a romantic.
Thank goodness for us!

Grover
Senior Member
since 2004-01-27
Posts 1967
London, ON, Canada
11 posted 2004-02-19 04:58 PM


You were very innovative and still are! Grover.
Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
12 posted 2004-02-19 04:59 PM


Ah I really loved this!
How sweet you are!
Hugs~

  ~ Whatever our souls are made of,
      his and mine are the same. ~      
            

Ravenwolfvoyager
Member
since 2003-12-25
Posts 326

13 posted 2004-02-19 07:06 PM


Great work "j". A wonderful reflection put into poetic essence.
vandana
Deputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Patricius
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463
USA
14 posted 2004-02-19 07:08 PM


loved it
Cpat Hair
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793

15 posted 2004-02-20 08:43 AM


truly enjoyed this sir.. well told!!


Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia
16 posted 2004-02-20 04:48 PM


I just had to let more people read this!!

I am in motion
I am blue
Love is an ocean
I'm anchored in you
- Shawn Mullins

Mistletoe Angel
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 5 Tours
Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
17 posted 2004-02-20 08:40 PM




(big angel hugs) Awwwwwwwwww, this is just too sweet and honest, dearest friend, I understand just how you feel of wanting the flowers, and that fifteen-year old boy's spirit will always smile in your heart as you wear the smile of love you share with your loved ones! (smiles) God Bless You, sweet friend, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet James, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"You'll find something that's enough to keep you
But if the bright lights don't receive you
You should turn yourself around and come back home" MB20

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