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Open Poetry #27
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Installment
| Open Poetry #27 |
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Installment |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana 
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New people weren’t an oddity but once a special four Formed a bond beyond the office like they’d been friends before. Bret was ruggedly handsome, a pure prankster through and through Henri had a ready argument for if sky was blue. I was facing a divorce and losing my sanity Steve, meanwhile, had cornered the market on stability. Breaks were always spent together, lunches often were shared If someone needed a friend, three were instantly there They called the guys “Ruth’s Harem” but our quest was not romance We just enjoyed each other whenever we had the chance. We rejoiced in Bret’s wedding, were excited by Steve’s child Folks thought us a strange grouping - we just looked at them and smiled. But life can’t remain stagnant... Steve found a much better job Henri and I were transferred - we were not the same old mob. But Steve had great perception, knew how I needed a friend Wondered that I would not hug... though sometimes I'd pretend So I became his project: Hugging lessons every week Until I stopped withdrawing, he kept giving his critique. He knew the reasons why, of course, I feared too much a touch I’d carefully built barriers, limped on with bitter crutch. There wasn’t any cheating - his wife knew he was with me He chipped through my resistance, tossing out mental debris. I moved to a new city, got a letter in the mail Steve had developed rare cancer and all treatments had failed I choked back tears and called him, he had just a whisper left Holding on for his son’s birth; I was sucker punched, bereft. He got to see his baby boy and lasted one week more I came home from the funeral angry at God, heartsore. And then I got a phone call in the middle of the night I knew from the lateness of hour that something wasn’t right. “Who is this?” I demanded, but then I could not believe When a man so softly whispered, “I’m sorry... this is Steve.” Goosebumps popped out over me, I was shaking to the bone I don’t believe in ghosts but just who was that on the phone? Don’t know why I didn’t slam it down, but my hand was stilled I knew I had to talk with him though my blood was quite chilled. And the man was a stranger, dialing me was a mistake He wanted to say goodbye, then his life he planned to take. I don’t remember what was said, but we talked for ages And from despair I walked him back in minuscule stages Until at last he sobbed to me that he would be okay And promised to find counseling before the end of day. “Why did you do this for me?” was the last thing that he asked “This can’t have been much fun for you but you embraced the task.” I told him there’s an angel and that they share a name My angel gave so much to me and it would be a shame If yet another fine young man left this world far too soon. Then I walked to my window, blew a kiss up to the moon Told Steve I’d miss him always... that he lives on in my heart He gave enough for me to give someone else a fresh start Compassion extends itself - we may not see our reward But we perform a miracle when we make life less hard Our actions may seem small to us; another soul they’ll tug Towards a brighter tomorrow... Thanks to Steve, I now can hug. HSB 4/27/55-8/5/86 |
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| © Copyright 2003 suthern - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Cpat Hair
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793 |
dang woman.... you rip the heart out of a fellow with this kind of story telling and leave him thinking how small for having not been there for some..when they most needed it... you write it good... and the story truly heart touching. |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Oh my, suthern...this had be in tears. What a wonderful and amazing poem. I'm not sure I can express adaquetely how moved I was by it. Thank you, thank you for sharing this!!  |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
Your whole story could be made into a movie! I experienced so many emotions--from warm and fuzzy ones, to sad ones, to goose-bumpy ones! This truly was special, Dear Ruth! My fondness and respect for you is even greater after having read this.  Love & Eternal Light, Linda |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
For (2) reasons you already know... this poem hits me square in the heart, and like Martie...words pretty much fail me... but once again...you already know. For now, I'll place this in my library under treasures and just say thank you for your rhymes divine. Yes...you know...and ... you know that I know.  |
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Ratleader
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass |
.....psst....Laura.....well done! This is one simply amazing piece of poetry, and it had to be hard just to talk about it, let alone do it so beautifully and compassionately.... ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº> ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº> ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº> |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
I can't say anything more than what has already been said. You have a wonderful way of bringing it to life. And if true, what a wonderful experience and friends. M |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
Yeah, what they all said....gosh, you pulled all the right strings with this poem. |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
A silky smooth touching of my heart. Magnificent writing...James |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
somehow, you know exactly where my aorta is I'm gulping after reading this one, Ruth |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
After all the superlatives have been used.. what can I say..except than you for this one. ~Smiles & Heart Hugs, Nancy~ ~Somewhere in my heart I'm always |
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1slick_lady Member Ascendant
since 2000-12-22
Posts 6088standing on a shadow's lace |
suthern..this is so touching and tender...thank you |
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Nightshade
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962just out of reach |
Gee Whiz Ruth!! Luckily I have plenty of kleenex on hand for my cold, cause this write had my emotions all over the place! Excellent. hugs to you sweet lady. Chris  "Hope" is the thing with feathers- |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Cap'n: No guilt or ripping intended. *S* I'm just so glad that one name stopped my hangup reflex... so I didn't read it again in obits. *S* Thank you so very much! *S* Martie: And your response dampens my eyes. *S* Thank you so very, very much. *S* And now dry your eyes, sweet lady... and be glad for good people who make a difference. *S* I'm humbled that for a few hours, I was one of them. *S* EA: Then I am truly blessed. *S* Thank you so much... from fuzzies to goosebumps! *S* JM: Yes... I do. *S* Which is why your reply means so much to me... thank you. *S* Ratleader: It's been in my head so long I thought it was written... found out otherwise when I started looking for it... then couldn't write fast enough. *S* But yes... the phone call part approaches unbelievable... and there's still a place in my heart missing my friend. *S* Thank you so very much, kind sir. *S* nakdthoughts: It's true... everything I wrote really happened. *S* I thank you so very much for liking the telling. *S* Magnus: Thank you so much for that... I was afraid the length was a problem... but it insisted on being one story... whether my fingers got tired or not. *G* James: To touch another's heart is all any poet can ask... thank you very much. *S* Midnitesun: I took more than a few gulps myself... even when the grieving is long over, the missing remains. *S* Thank you so much! *S* Enchantress: That's saying an awful lot, enchanting one. *S* And I appreciate it so much! Thank you! 1slick_lady: Thank YOU for reading and liking... that means a lot to me. *S* Nightshade: I wish you a quick return to good health, dear lady... and eyes free of any hurting tears. *S* Thank you so very much! |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
 girl! you can write!you rock! |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
Wow...this is exceptional!...whatta story....whatta poem! |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
SweetSuthernGal~ This is among the finest of your writes~ It's that touching that you do so well~ What a blessing you received ... what a blessing you gave~ Love ya' gal~ *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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garysgirl
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237Florida, USA |
Ruth, I wish that I could express to you just how much your wonderful story touched my heart...because it came from your heart. My dear friend, you are one of the best "huggers" I have ever met, so I know that your dear friend, Steve, taught you very well. His compassion and care helped to get through the walls and barriers that you had built around your heart. (My Gary and I both know about those barriers and walls). I know that the other "Steve" was very thankful to you the next day and every day thereafter. You know, dear Suthern Lady, we never know just who's heart we may touch with out love and concern, do we? Thank you so much for sharing your heart with us. And, this is a keeper for me, too.  Many, many hugs to you, sweet lady  Ethel [This message has been edited by garysgirl (06-13-2003 10:02 AM).] |
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Edder Senior Member
since 2003-04-02
Posts 671 |
 shouldn't have opened this one at work! a touching and beautiful write! |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
 Susan |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
PS: Why thankie, ma’am! *S* I appreciate that... very much! *S* Toerag: I’m so very glad you enjoyed, dear friend. Thank you so very much! *S* Marge: What a blessing you are, sweet lady... I thank you so! *S* garysgirl: You are so dear... and I thank you with all my heart. *S* Edder: Didn’t mean to cause you problems. *G* But I’m glad to know it reached you... thank you! *S* Susan: I thank you most sincerely, ma’am. *S* |
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Eromyna Member
since 2002-11-29
Posts 306Pheonix, AZ, USA |
Very touching. I'm on the verge of tears. "I don't need to scream for you to deem me aggravation." |
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Pilgrimage Member Elite
since 2001-12-04
Posts 3945Texas, USA |
I'm crying, but it's a good cry-just hope no customers come in til the red clears up. Great poem-great story! Nan (Pilgrim variety) |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Eromyna: I sincerely thank you for being so touched. *S* Pilgrimage: Ordinarily, I wouldn't wish you a time without customers and their cash. *G* But this time, sweet lady, I do... if just for a while. *S* Thank you so much! All: I can't tell you how much your kind reception and generous responses mean to me... I just thank you from the bottom of my heart. *S* |
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Local Rebel Member Ascendant
since 1999-12-21
Posts 5767Southern Abstentia |
Auntie -- your heart is as big as the sky.  |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I believe in angels, and you had one that night with you. Oh this tugged my heart in so many ways, I will just say thank you for sharing this story. Beautifully penned Ruth. |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
You're a wondrous suthern lady, my friend - This piece is one of your best...  |
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jellybeans Member Elite
since 2000-10-13
Posts 2298 |
ah lady...my bookmark was for open 26, and I kept looking for this and thought you hadn't posted it yet...then I did a search and low and behold... course I already told you just how much I love this...so I will just claim my ditto priviledges and ditto all the above great comments love you lady |
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BluesSerenade Member Patricius
since 2001-10-23
Posts 10549By the Seaside |
Our actions may seem small to us; another soul they’ll tug Towards a brighter tomorrow... Thanks to Steve, I now can hug. What a wonderful bond you shared with your friends, I am so sorry to hear about Steve. The beginning was so upbeat, I had a feeling the ending was going to take another turn. You are truly blessed to have such caring friends, and yes, this tugs at my heart. Suthern |
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Ceinwyn Member Elite
since 2000-07-09
Posts 2175VA |
i'm crying i never know what to say!! gave me goosebumps..If at first you don't succeed destroy all the evidence that you tried. |
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Edder Senior Member
since 2003-04-02
Posts 671 |
saw this back at the top and couldn't resist another read. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
My dear nephew: I’ll admit that Auntie had to do a quick check to figure out just WHAT those smilies were doing??? LOL But I do appreciate the support... and you. *S* Thank you very much! PS: Thank you for that lift, ma’am... very much! *S* Mysteria: I did indeed. *S* Thank you so much for enjoying the share, kind lady... I know you have angels, too. *S* Nan: You’re a dear... and I thank you so much! *S* jellybeans: Ahem... note to jellybeans... suthern’s the blonde! LOL Thanks for looking until finding... I love you, ditto lady. *S* BluesSerenade: It was wonderful... something I’ll never forget. *S* Thank you very much! *S* Ceinwyn: Your response was wonderful... and I thank you so much! *S* Edder: What a great compliment... it’s sincerely appreciated! *S* |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 (tears fall down my cheeks) God Bless You, dearestr friend, you deserve extra big angel hugs after writing this most golden poem! (sends extra warm angel hugs) You know, you and I come of similar heart. Me, I almost gave away my life, then God pushed me back from the ledge and He seemed to hint to me that some great great tiding was coming my way and I would find new doors to open when I felt every door was shutting me in the face and finally I found solace with Him as like my entourage! (big hugggssssssss) People will come into our lives and touch us so deeply, and your poem has touched me so deeply as Steve will always shine in your heart, God Bless You, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Suthern, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton Underneath your clothes, there's an endless story |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
M'Toe: You never fail to impress and humble me with the kindness of your heart. *S* I truly thank you. *S* |
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QjQ Member Elite
since 2003-04-18
Posts 3756U.S.A. |
 A voice of honesty |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
I'm so glad I popped my head in the door and found this amazing poem. You have a wonderful story telling ability and the words to touch anyone's heart Great poem HUgs and hugs Liz |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
Ugh Life, doesn't it bite sometimes? ~ but also, mostly it's the best! This is emotion filled dear Ruth, and I felt them all as I read, but of course not a seriously as you did. ARCTIC WIND |
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