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Open Poetry #35
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Titia Geertman
Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182
Netherlands

0 posted 2005-04-27 08:25 PM



I thought he was mentally ill
Just well enough for the job
in this environmental dumb
where we can bring the things
we don't want anymore
He wasn't always friendly,
lacking emotional expression
shuffling around
telling people where to put their stuff
But I was wrong
draw my conclusions too soon
as a lot of us do
sometimes
I found out that day
I had been fishing
Dropped by
and as a gentle gesture
I offered him some fresh trout
'Thanks', he said,
'My son likes to fish too
but he never catches trout.
My wife and I will enjoy your gift'.
I was surprised to learn that he was married
even having a son
And in the conversation that followed
I learned he was ill all right,
but not mentally,
physically,
he had Parkinson
and I hadn't recognized
the signs of slow movement
the non emotional expression on his face
No wonder he wasn't that friendly
on his bad days
And I felt ashamed
We're some kind of befriended now
He stamps half the amount where it should be full
and I bring him trout once in a while
Sometimes you just see what is not there




Like scattered leaves...my words will flow

[This message has been edited by Titia Geertman (04-28-2005 07:48 PM).]

© Copyright 2005 Titia Geertman - All Rights Reserved
Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
1 posted 2005-04-27 08:30 PM


hugging you for this write
you have a wonderful heart, yanno?
loveya, dutchie

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
2 posted 2005-04-27 08:56 PM


I have friends with Parkinson's, MS, are wheel-chair bound, and every morning that I get up hurting? I thank God I have the faculties I have...

Thank you, Titia, for reminding us of our health!

SmartChick
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown
3 posted 2005-04-27 09:02 PM


Awwww Titia, don't be too hard on yourself. You didn't know. You are a good, kind hearted person. I'll vouch for that. Hugs my friend. I think about you all the time. Even tried to send you an email. But, it keeps getting sent back.
suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
4 posted 2005-04-28 01:03 PM


Across all these miles, your kind heart touches us... and I'm proud to know you. *S*
LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

5 posted 2005-04-28 03:15 PM


hugs to ya and he, thanks goodness God knocks the sand outa our eyes, right?


Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
6 posted 2005-04-28 08:35 PM


Titia

It must have been just the right time for you to learn to see what IS there!  Loved the honesty and lesson in this poem!  

Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505
Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA
7 posted 2005-04-28 09:37 PM


Sometimes you see what's not there and sometimes you don't see what IS there. Titia, you sweet lady, you had the sight to see what was there in the man and that's what made all the difference. You noticed his value and extended your hand in friendship and, as a result of that, you were able to see what wasn't visible before.

In other words, you're a sweetheart

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