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Open Poetry #36
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The Old Woman and the Poet
| Open Poetry #36 |
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The Old Woman and the Poet |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart 
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The Old Woman and the Poet She stood so small outside there, in the front hall looking through the window, disheveled at best, she spied the rest, as she stood there, watching through the glass… in her hands, tattered and worn a brochure from another year, in 2003, Prairie Inkwells and we spoke of grand poets from far, and near… A Celebration of the First Amendment, several of you had joined in… and now, in her hands, albeit tattered and torn, poets’ words she still held, kept safe, and warm… She overcame her shy, her doubt and up to me, she came, You’re the poet, the one in here… This poem means so much to me… I knew she didn’t come this day, to buy a book, or share some wine, nor have a cracker with some cheese, no, she didn’t come to dine… How are you? I asked with care, for she shivered cold, but didn’t bear a frozen stare, no, her smile seemed warm… This poem means so much to me. It seemed so simple, and easily done… May I autograph this, for you? Her eyes held please, she mouthed with ease… Yes, please, thank you. It took but a moment, then I asked her to stay… She shook her head, disappeared into her gray as the evening’s dusk hid the light… she just melted back into the night… Did you see her? The old lady in gray? I asked around, and only found that everyone shook their head… Nor had they heard her say… You’re the poet, the one in here… This poem means so much to me… ~*~ White Feather, A Flute, and the Wind White Feather, slim of limb holds her Flute toward the Sun in and out threads the Wind all listen to your chant a calling to the bird on wing a tear to allow the flower's growth the spirits hold to her keeping all listen to your chant White Feather, woman good handle the flute as you would let the Wind be your breath all listen to your chant Sun may come, Sun may go but never shall the Wind not blow hold your flute, lift song on high all listen to your chant White Feather, slim of limb a tear to allow the flower's growth let the Wind be your breath all listen to your chant ~*~ Her old tattered coat had been too long worn, perhaps too light to keep her warm, her hair had been matted, her clothing was old… and so thin was her skin…she must be so cold… she lives somewhere, out there in the world… but in a heart, she was someone’s little girl… and she’s listening to some chant… and all I can hear, here, in my heart…is This poem means so much to me…. ~*~ Footnote: Yes…it actually happened, around dusk, on December 8, 2005. And I can’t help the tears. |
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| © Copyright 2005 Karilea Rilling Jungel - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Startime55 Member Elite
since 2003-04-05
Posts 2148Alberta, Canada |
Oh my gosh....the tears are still flowing...I felt like I stood there watching her as you reached out your heart to her....A beautiful vision of real life that touched my heart deeply...thank you for sharing this experience with us....**big hugs* |
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SmartChick Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081On A Journey To The Unknown |
No Karilea, this is kind of sad. But, as usual, well written. |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
What an amazing true story.. and you have such a kind and loving spirit. Hugs, Nancy ~Let peace begin with me... |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Karilea~ This sends chills through this ~Willow White Feather~ :Huglets*  ~*Me*~ ~*No matter what I search for ... |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Sissie....I believe you can fly!! |
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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
You painted a vivid picture with this poem and proved there's life in art and poetry is definitely art.  |
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miscellanea Member Elite
since 2004-06-24
Posts 4060OH |
Sunshine, So easily pictured! What a gift she bestows upon you, upon us... "Sun may come, Sun may go but never shall the Wind not blow hold your flute, lift song on high all listen to your chant" Yes, the wind will be known, whether in weather or through the flutist! Ours to lift the song, eh? Very much enjoyed! misc |
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Interloper
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369Deep in the heart |
I desire your autograph, too.... Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write. |
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Bridget Shenachie Senior Member
since 2002-01-23
Posts 1056Kansas USA |
I saw this happen! I was there! And it was a beautiful, caring event that gives meaning to the season of Christmas. Happy Holidays! Shenachie |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
I think you have us all in tears.... And you chided me when I didn't say "Hankie Alert"// |
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iliana Member Patricius
since 2003-12-05
Posts 13434USA |
I am haunted by this one, SIL. Haunted, as if I were there in your place and experienced it myself. This is one of those moments that stands still in time. .....jo |
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Honeybunch Member Rara Avis
since 2001-12-29
Posts 7115South Africa |
Oh, yes, a magnificent recounting of a happening that touches the heart and all the more reason for you to keep writing. One just never knows who needs it the most... when they'e feeling cold. |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
smiling...because i could see her too. and yes kinda haunting..but beautiful. sunshinygirlmxx how i would love you, love you as no one ever did! Die and still, love you more. And still love you more..and more |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
And you may never know how many more were touched by something you have said or written. It amazes me when I find you are surprised. That is what poets and writers are for.I envy you. Although I have had the experience of touching another, and when I heard those words I too shed a quiet tear, you will have many more such experiences because of who you are. Love, martyjo [This message has been edited by latearrival (12-11-2005 06:16 AM).] |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
What a gift you are to us, and others, Sunshine. This poignant poem is going to linger in my memory for a long time, and even when I am no longer thinking of it, it will have made me a richer person for having read it. - Owl |
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MGROVES
since 2004-02-01
Posts 3802california |
wow, awesome  My spirit will rise |
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