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Far Longer than the Rain
| Open Poetry #42 |
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Far Longer than the Rain |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
When the drizzle was felt, Open, the door was held by a stranger never met. Yet… Far longer than the rain, His smile and patience Shall ever remain. For it had been a day, Rigid patience and regret, Clamped teeth and fret; Role model; Amped inner anger Now wet. He waited. Three minutes or more, he waited. He saw. Felt. He knew my insides out. The stranger held in his hands More than the door. He opened Me [This message has been edited by miscellanea (06-30-2008 04:57 PM).] |
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| © Copyright 2008 Cathy Farmer - All Rights Reserved | |||
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XGarapanX Senior Member
since 2008-06-19
Posts 1435Antarctica |
I really, really liked this poem. ·´~`·»Garapan«·´~`· |
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A Romantic Heart Member Ascendant
since 1999-09-03
Posts 5496Forever In Your Heart |
Yes to be alive again~ To be opened.... |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
XGarapanX, I'm glad you enjoyed my poem. A minute's worth of kindness can truly last a lifetime. Thank you for taking a moment to respond. miscellanea |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
A Romanic Heart, Isn't it amazing how someone can make such a lasting impression? Thank you for taking time to share your enthusiasm. miscellanea |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
quote: The gift of kindness goes never unnoticed to the heart ... Just so beautiful! Dear Misc, what a great pleasure to see you back!! Love and hugs. Margherita  |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
Margherita, It's indeed a pleasure to be back and to hear from one of my favorite people! As to the poem, I was again reminded of the stranger's kindness when I traveled to Texas this summer. There, it seemed everyone I passed took time to be courteous and thoughtful. I don't always see it where I'm from because people are always in a rush to be somewhere and do something. The incident I wrote about occurred while traveling a long distance, with the kids fighting and my husband and I tired and worn. My thoughts about life in general were about as negative as they get. I thought I'd go into the store by myself for some privacy, but one of my youngsters opened the car door and began to follow. In the rain, I proceded to help him out of the car, noticing half way to the store that his shoe was untied, and knowing he would surely trip! I stopped in the rain to tie it, noticing the tall gentleman who had been holding the door. I thought he'd surely go about his business as I was taking so much time. No. He was so pleasant and patient. He turned that moment's miserable world into something fresh and wonderful just with the act of opening the door and a warm greeting. I never saw him again, but the memory is one that will always remain. That door was opened well over ten years ago. You're right; the affect of a kind gesture can never be underestimated! cathy |
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graeshine2006 Member
since 2008-06-03
Posts 368The Prairie Lands, USA |
I love the poem and the story. And, I love that you noticed his patience. Kind of tells you what an impatient world we live in... I hope your stanger has a great day today and I hope you do also! |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
graeshine, How kind of you to wish the total stranger and me a great day! You have one, too!!! misc |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
Beautifully Written Misc! ARCTIC WIND |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
I love this. I thought I had replied to it long ago. I must have been very tired or in a great hurry when I read it previously. - Owl |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
It's always a good day when people behave nicely! Good to read you again, my friend! |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
A pleasure...James |
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The Lady Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634The Southwest |
"The stranger held in his hands More than the door. He opened Me" lovely poem and story misc' a stranger's kindness is a gift of the heart |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
Accolades for this one Misc, much enjoyed. Lindsay |
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Alison
since 2008-01-27
Posts 9318Lumpy oatmeal makes me crazy! |
Dear miscellanea, I live in a small town and I am often amazed at how we treat each other like we are in one of the largest world cities. Maybe it's because we are in too much of a hurry or maybe we just forget manners. I love your poem and have felt just as you describe. When a stranger smiles back at me, or holds the door, or just says hello in passing - it makes my day. I love small towns. While I understand the need for caution, I detest the habit so many have fallen into to simply ignore those around them. I have saved your poem - and I think I'll just slip it into my pocket, so I'll remember on those more frustrating days, that someone understands. xoxoxo and a big smile, Alison |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
a wonderful story Cathy...living in a very small town I see this often, which is why I love it here and have been in the same home for over 30 years now. Hoping you are having a great summer! M |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
Arctic Wind, It pleases me that my poem pleases you! Have a terrific day, Arctic Wind! ~misC |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
Owl, I am very pleased you took time to read this at all, let alone read it a second time and reply! I'm so glad you enjoyed my little snippet of life. Thank you. ~misC~ |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
Midnitesun, It is GOOD to experience the shinier side. When I grew up, we were taught to look at someone when they spoke--to give them eye contact. Now, sometimes this is good and sometimes it might not be so good... It's interesting how cultures change... Midnitesun, it was great to hear from you. I'll try to stop and check out your thread of poems before I take leave again. ~misC~ |
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scoff Member
since 2008-07-04
Posts 71Georgia |
"Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for by this some have entertained angels unawares" Seems appropriate of this poem. If we actually lived up to the quote above, this world would be a wonderful place. |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
Scoff, Your quote blew me away. First, that the event happened in your home state, and secondly, in a conversation, it was brought up that he may have been an angel! I felt like I had known the individual for years. I appreciate your kindness in response. ~miscellanea |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
James Michael, It is also a pleasure to see your name gracing this page. Thank you for stopping by, James. ~miscellanea~ |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
The Lady, It is so good to hear from you again. I'm glad you could relate to this. I'll try to stop in and see you at your post before I find I've chained myself to a filing cabinet to catch up on other work! (When I changed jobs three years ago, I brought all my accumulated "stuff" home, thinking then that I'd have more time to go through it! Ha! It's my goal to have at least one room sorted out this summer! It's great hearing from you, The Lady. ~miscellanea~ |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Love this, Miscellanea and the quote from Scoff fits so well. Ida |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
Marchmadness, It pleases me you found my poem enjoyable. Thank you for your kind response. I, too, enjoyed what Scoff quoted. There's a lot to that! I hope to see you at your post soon. ~misce~ |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
LindsayP., I thank you for your enthusiastic response! It is my pleasure you enjoyed it. ~miscellanea~ |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
Alison, "I live in a small town and I am often amazed at how we treat each other like we are in one of the largest world cities. Maybe it's because we are in too much of a hurry or maybe we just forget manners. I love your poem and have felt just as you describe. When a stranger smiles back at me, or holds the door, or just says hello in passing - it makes my day. I love small towns. While I understand the need for caution, I detest the habit so many have fallen into to simply ignore those around them." It would seem like the people in small towns would be more apt to know and greet each other, but not always so. Many are commuters anymore, busy at work, home, running the kids etc. How many neighbors do we even know? It's a merry-go-round, so it seems. Enjoyed your reflective response and wish you and your town warmth and smiles. ~miscellanea~ |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
nakdthoughts, Our town used to be, but it has suburbanized quite a bit with lots and lots of commuters, busily going from one place to another. I'm glad to hear and see that this may not be the norm! It was nice to hear from you again. ~miscellanea~ |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Hi Cathy....it was great to stop by pip and see your name and all these wonderful replies. One small kindness becomes a treasure when you are inspired to write a poem about it, and the ripple effect makes many others feel it. I'm one...thank you for that. |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
Martie, I am so happy to hear from you! It has been ages since we both frequented these pages at the same time. You and your poetry were always very special to me. I hope you are doing well, my friend. hugs, cathy |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
I am so very moved at your quote Scoff, and your reply, Cathy. These blue pages hold so much more treasure than any bank. I often revisit poems again and again and again to revisit the pleasure I had in the first reading, Cathy, even though I don't always add another response - but thank you for the thanks, anyway. Thank you also for the pleasure of the third reading - and the first and second too, of course! - Owl |
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Richy Member Elite
since 2003-05-03
Posts 3050 |
How wonderful to hear the poet's description of the poem. We don't hear that too often, which is fine as well, as it lets the reader find their own interpretation. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed your tale. It's one thing to be kind, and another, to recognize it, and appreciate it. I'm glad to know you. Rich |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
Owl, You're a real cutie, you know? You tickle me! Have a great weekend! ~miscee~ Rich, I'm glad you enjoyed the snippet of a day long ago. Often when I write, I debate whether to give a background that inspired the poem or not. I suppose that depends on the purpose the poem. I agree with you that poems should be left open for the readers'interpretations, but sometimes, I want them to know the specifics after they form their own ideas. Then they get double their money's worth! A good example is when LeeJ. once put her explanation in one of the response boxes. (LeeJ. is a master of simile and metaphor. I found her poems to have infinite layers, challenging my ability to comprehend.) I used to love reading her poems, formulating my own ideas about the meaning of each metaphoric phrase. I knew her poems were beautiful and good, but did not understand how great and significant they were until after one poem she revealed her subject to us and where some of her imagery came from. At that point, I thought it was absolutely amazing and historical. That background information filled in the missing pieces and seemed to pull the poem together for me, giving me a much longer lasting impression. "It's one thing to be kind, and another, to recognize it, and appreciate it." Thank you, Richy. Might I add "and it is another thing to be appreciated for appreciating!" U so sweet! miscellanea |
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