»
Archives
»
Open Poetry #38
»
Shalom
| Open Poetry #38 |
|
Shalom |
|
|
nedj Member
since 2006-06-23
Posts 87Oregon USA 
|
~ Shalom ~I cry for you, my tired friend, with tears so great their falling sucks my breath away. It hurts me not to speak to you, but the words get strangled in my too-tight throat. For soon now you must die, and with you part of me, followed later by the rest |
||
| © Copyright 2006 Ned Johnson - All Rights Reserved | |||
Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
OhNed~ There is such aching in this touching write~ *Huglets*  ~*Marge*~ ~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~ |
||
|
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Ned I know this feeling....you have written the clean tear of it so well. |
||
|
nedj Member
since 2006-06-23
Posts 87Oregon USA |
It is so good to remove the invisibility cloak. Thanks to Martie and Marge, and those who have not yet responded. As is now my custom, here is the backstory. One cold and misty Autumn morning, years ago, I was sitting in a Denny's restaurant having breakfast. I saw an old woman shuffling down the sidewalk past Denny's. She wore a heavy coat with just a hint of the lining hanging down on one side. She was carrying a shopping band and walked so slowly I wondered if she'd make it to wherever she was going. To my surprise she turned up the walk to the front door and came in. She sat at a stool at the counter and ordered a pot of tea. I was overcome with emotion and, as was my custom at that time, decided to express my feelings by writing a poem. It didn't take long, and she was there for some time after I had finished it. A Battle Royal ensued within myself. I wanted so badly to share it with her, but it seemed so presumpuous of me. Nor did I want to intrude on her privacy. Neither did I want to essentially tell her that she wasn't long for this world, even if it was true, even if she knew better than I did. In the end, she finished her tea, put her coat back on, and was last seen shuffling down the sidewalk on her way to her own destination. It still brings tears to my eyes when I think about it. Regardless of its meaning, it was indeed a true human moment we shared, and that I now share with you. A poem's just a poet in a word. |
||
|
Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Thank you for the back story Ned....it makes it even more poignant to know that this person you did not know before she walked in, you saw so clearly within your heart's eye. I wish you could have shown her the poem, but it seems like maybe it was a moment that was meant for you, not her. |
||
|
nedj Member
since 2006-06-23
Posts 87Oregon USA |
Martie, Come to think of it, there was another one I wrote for a particular person whom I never saw again and so could not share it with. I'll post that one, too. It's called "Near and Far." A poem's just a poet in a word. |
||
|
Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Ned~ What a wonderful share story~ It was 'almost' as I perceived it from the first reading ... and now the clarity is complete~ Can't wait to read the next one you mentioned~ *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~ |
||
|
Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Most excellent write Ned. Your imagery is so well done I could see the old lady perfectly. Hugs~Nancy For it was not into my ear you whispered |
||
|
the_girl_next_door Senior Member
since 2006-02-26
Posts 591USA |
Great imagery on this one. I don't know what else to say without repeating everything I always say  ... you leave me without words.. Great job..Your friend, Heather Desire nothing except desirelessness. Hope for nothing except to rise above all hopes. |
||
|
The Lady Member Rara Avis
since 2005-12-26
Posts 7634The Southwest |
Excellent work ned. Thank you for sharing the story. |
||
|
Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Ned~ Just a small  note to let you know that I attempted to email you through your web site and it was returned to me~Your web site is so interesting~ *Huglets* ~*Marge*~ ~*The sound of a kiss is not as strong as that of a cannon, but it's echo endures much longer*~ |
||
|
Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
hello there, neighbor just a note to say I read and felt this more deeply than you may realize but was caught up in my own shalom shalom moment |
||
|
Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Ned, Your spirit sees so much... thank you for sharing such a slice of life with us. Something tells me that your vision of her will, if it already hasn't, change your life for the better. Angels come in many guises... |
||
|
nedj Member
since 2006-06-23
Posts 87Oregon USA |
Thanks to all. In the 35+ years since I wrote that, I have had many experiences that harken me back to that moment, and I always think of her at those times. Magic abounds! A poem's just a poet in a word. |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
