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Open Poetry #44
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Jackie Somebody from South Africa
| Open Poetry #44 |
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Jackie Somebody from South Africa |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa 
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JACKIE SOMEBODY FROM SOUTH AFRICA 23 February 2009 At a baby clinic in Gondola in Moçambique is an angel who is not an angel but a mere human who shames me when I despair of the human race and all of us who say, “What can one person do against/for the whole world?” Without wondering where the next donation is coming from, this young, pretty, married missionary who could have an infinitely different life, devotes herself to every single Moçambiquan baby or Zimbabwean baby from across the nearby border who needs her despite despair, disease, superstition, poverty, ignorance, malnourished babies, and sparse supplies far away. Some come from far away leaving their homes on foot at midnight to reach the clinic at daybreak knowing she is there and will help in whatever way she can with knowledge, expertise, kindness, grace and authenticity, no games, just the real deal. She does what she does as she says, not because of a theory or a notion or a religion but because of the reality of the love of God. She doesn’t preach compassion; she doesn’t write poems about it; she IS it and she acts upon it. Her story is told but what about those whose are not? There are many, many thousands like her that we only hear about by chance. How dare I bemoan the state of humanity until I have walked a fraction of a mile in her or their moccasins? Owl |
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| © Copyright 2009 Diana van den Berg - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Yes, dear Diana, there are more of this rare and precious kind of human beings than one might suspect. Thank you for telling her story in such a touching way. You made me think of my wonderful Australian friend Maithri, who is another one of this kind of human beings. He is an amazing young doctor and I love and respect him deeply. He is getting ready to return to Swaziland in April: http://soaringimpulse.blogspot.com/ . Love and Hope. Margherita  |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Thank you Margherita. I had a peek at his blog, but there is so much to see that I will have to go back to it later.  Owl |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
There are many who walk in Mother Theresa type shoes, who go about their daily business without fanfare or formal kudos. But those they help will never forget them. Thank you for sharing one such gentle heart. |
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secondhanddreampoet Member Ascendant
since 2006-11-07
Posts 6394a 'Universalist' ! |
REALLY excellent exposee on the real 'heroes' of the world! extremely well written! ... significant applause for this important 'penning'! |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Thank you Kacy. Yes, and you are such a one. Yes, Bruce, these are the real heroes. I agree. Owl |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
Dear Diana, What a shame there are not a lot more of those living Angels who so kindly help their fellow man without any thought of monetary gain for themselves. A lovely write my dear. love. Lindsay |
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Krawdad Member Elite
since 2001-01-03
Posts 2597 |
Your presentation style strengthens the story - well done. And thanks for the story - one of many too easily missed. |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Well you know what it says in the Bible, "faith without works is dead!" That's the trouble, like you express here, too many talk/write about the troubles in the world without doing anything about it. There's an old song by Dionne Warwick called 'What The World Needs Now Is Love" What the world needs now, Is love, sweet love, It's the only thing that there's just too little of. What the world needs now, Is love, sweet love, No, not just for some but for everyone. Lord, we don't need another mountain, There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb, There are oceans and rivers enough to cross, Enough to last 'til the end of time. What the world needs now, Is love, sweet love, It's the only thing that there's just too little of. What the world needs now, Is love, sweet love, No, not just for some but for everyone. Lord, we don't need another meadow, There are cornfields and wheatfields enough to grow, There are sunbeams and moonbeams enough to shine, Oh listen Lord, if you want to know...oh... What the world needs now, Is love, sweet love, It's the only thing that there's just too little of. What the world needs now, Is love, sweet love, No, not just for some oh but just for every, every, everyone. What the world needs now, Is love, sweet love. What the world needs now, Is love, sweet love. What the world needs now, Is love, sweet love. Nice work Owl you have touched on a tender compassionate subject. Eric |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Thanks, Lindsay - but there actually are lots! We just don't get to notice them even when we find them . . . Wow, Krawdad! I quiver at the excellence of your poetry and so I am very especially honoured by your comment. Yes, we just don't open our eyes, even when they are right in front of us. I bet we could all name one human angel like this out of our real everyday life, if only we looked around us instead of expecting all around us to look at us. Thank you, Eric. You are so right about faith needing works . . . and it starts with us . . . all . . individually . . . now . . . Owl |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
It's pretty danged amazing, Sis... when we see an angel. Some wouldn't acknowledge that... but I would. |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Yes, it is, Karilea (smiling). Me too! Owl |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Diana...A portrait made from respect, like this, is the most beautiful. |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
Fine writing...James |
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poddarku Senior Member
since 2008-01-15
Posts 589india |
You humble us with this poem. Wonderful. Just wonderful and too human. clever talks delay friendship! |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Thank you Martie. I do so enjoy respecting people. Thank you, James. Thank you, Kushal. And I know how much you love people, so "human" coming from you, is a good thing. Owl |
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