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Open Poetry #31
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A Friend On the Island
| Open Poetry #31 |
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A Friend On the Island |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA 
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His name was Audry. He was my friend. I think about him now and then. He was our driver on the isle where we lived Where English few spoke and fewer would give Any credence to us – we were American. And in that place and at that time Audry and I were in sync, we rhymed In that he could anticipate me And what I needed to survive. My broken words he suffered and his broken English I equated. Between the little each of us knew, somehow we related. He told me that he understood exactly why I’d get blue. Because being born Sulaweisian, he was a foreigner, too. There on the Isle of Java, we grew to be great chums. Back in States years later, I wished I’d brought him home. For it’s rare when men and women can be the best of friends Without a jealous husband or the neighbors who talk or stare. In our case, it was plutonic, a spiritual kind of care He was our protector. It’d be grand if he were here. I wonder now about those Islands, I’ve heard bad news of late I wonder about Audry, his son and wife -- Whether his trials have abated. Audry, like me, was a foreigner. He felt conspicuous at times. How do I know? He told me so In English/Indonesian rhymes. |
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| © Copyright 2004 J.A.A.Powell - All Rights Reserved | |||
Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
loved this write, though the change of name spellings...is a bit confusing |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
Kacy, thanks for pointing that out, I'm going to fix it right now -- I can see where that was confusing. This man was so special. In Indonesian, you never show affection in public. But on our last day there after three years, he drove us to the airport. I hugged him goodbye -- he had tears in his eyes and so did I.  |
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Goldenrose Member Elite
since 2003-05-30
Posts 3665 |
Very touching write....you obviously felt a great deal for this man..your friendship comes out well in your poem....i agree it is rare when men and women are best friends.....but you never forget... Thank you..... Goldenrose. ''Each soul is potentialy divine..the goal is to manifest that divinity'' |
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Rick Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 2903Victoria, Australia |
iliana, thank you so much for sharing this with us, wonderful and so rare, but a memory that will last a lifetime, I hope your friend is well and oneday you meet again. Sincerely Rick |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
there are certain people that come into your life that touch you so softly that you'll never forget them...this is such a touching piece of poetry m'friend |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
This is a very heart warming post. I think it's wonderful when men and women can be the best of friends in a platonic relationship. Well done and much enjoyed. ~Smiles & Hugs, Nancy~ ~The breeze that kissed you on the face, |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
I came back to read this one again, Iliana, it's already one of my favorites.  |
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Sadelite Member Elite
since 2003-10-11
Posts 2519 |
iliana, It's one of my favorite, too. Perhaps, it is because I can imagine how lonely it would be to live in a foreign country where language might be handicapping. You should write more about the island,for example, the labor that goes into batiking. Sadie |
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Grover Senior Member
since 2004-01-27
Posts 1967London, ON, Canada |
Genuine friendship, "platonic"-- is rare. Thanks for this wonderful story!  |
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Local Rebel Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-21
Posts 5767Southern Abstentia |
words are such a small part of communication anyway... friendship doesn't need them much.. but, I'm glad you shared yours with us..  |
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muted
since 2004-01-15
Posts 2949Elapsing, Eclipsing, Evolving |
I have friends who grew up in Indonesia, and they speak so very fondly of the people they knew there.....life is different there...and your friendship with Audry seems very special and beautiful...just like the islands themselves. I know in his heart, your friendship still burns a bonfire because friends always manage to stay "linked" across the span of miles and decades |
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Crimson Moon Member
since 2003-07-21
Posts 52NY, USA |
Beautiful and heartfelt. Friends just as Audry are rare unforgettable gifts indeed. Time and distance will never change the way your friendship feels. I was a poet once and now I flounder in shallow water searching for my lost voice. |
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