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Open Poetry #41
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Strawberry Flats (Repost)
| Open Poetry #41 |
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Strawberry Flats (Repost) |
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WindWalker Senior Member
since 2001-10-12
Posts 1218 |
She is an old woman, hunched over, huddled in an old coat, its faded blue reveals the threadbare material -- she shivers in the cold wind and seeks shelter deeper in her lean-to among the strawberry flats displayed for sale. Why is she there? Do I have the right to wonder, even? Perhaps she must be, to support herself, too old to move through the muddy fields or withstand the whipping rains and winds along with her family recently arrived. Perhaps she hopes to redeem her last times bringing some added coins to the treasury before her years stop falling as dominos, upon the board of life. If nature cares not for old or young, I think that maybe society certainly should -- and if it cannot for whatever unclear reason then surely “God the Responsible” must? But the old woman in the strawberry shack with four poles to hold the roof and no walls, tells the story accurately - no blandishments in the emaciated lined face that looks up at me -- or the lines around the mouth that attempt to put forth the necessary smile. She troubles me, this old woman from a world I will never know who came here looking for a better life; who now must shiver in the unfamiliar cold; dependent upon the bounty of strangers whose language she cannot understand. I'm troubled, not because of her, particularly, but because she is one of millions sitting thus by highways promising better things while the world rushes by deaf to her sighs and blind to her losses, bruises and wounds. She troubles me, this old woman in faded blue because she need not be there, begging, drenched by the cold mist of plenty expelled into her lungs by a thousand exhaust pipes of happy campers on a Friday afternoon. But why do I care? I think to myself -- what makes me want to engage this drama within my heart and mind? Then the child in me speaks the word I no longer dare speak to those whom I would call my equals: "No!" [This message has been edited by WindWalker (11-12-2007 08:51 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2007 Sharran WindWalker - All Rights Reserved | |||
Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
"what makes me want to engage this drama within my heart and mind?" Because you must, the same as I. She troubles me, too. It is your nature, dear WW, to observe and question, wonder and doubt, attempt to fathom and understand the depths of the human condition... and perhaps, do something to improve it. |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
You must be a wonderful caring person, WW to write this touching piece with such sensitivity and insight. There but for fortune......... Ida |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
Very touching Wind Walker ARCTIC WIND |
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ArtSolstice Member
since 2007-03-18
Posts 498 |
WW, I have read this write many times. Many times now. It is still difficult to formulate a reply worthy of your writing. Your compassion is so compellingly stated, your questions so well formed and finely asked. The entire work -- to say it is moving is such an understatement. I wish more folks had your openness of heart and voice. |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
WW, it is your compassion, powers of observation, and your inquiring mind that make you such a fine poet ~ and person.  Love to you, and to all those in situations such as this woman. EA |
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