This poem by Captain Q, I had to share. The link is below. He writes with such a dexterous grasp of humanity. The wistful words drop into my heart and make me think of the many people – that sidle along on the edges of the herd.
When my Dad was alive and old and my Mum was in the nursing home, he visited her everyday on aching knees. He would do his shopping – a solitary figure fiercely independent – into the supermarket over to the butchers and then on to the chemist.
When I went to visit he would tell me who he had conversed with that day.
They were a sparse group but when he spoke of them – the ones that stopped to chat – his eyes shone. They made his day.
These people made him feel more real and at home in the world.
And I blessed them quietly for doing that.
So many people on the edges and fringes.
It’s not just the elderly.
It’s the young people who don’t fit moulds created by fearful people who don’t know how to operate without them.
The homeless guy who may have been hit so hard by something that it scattered all his pieces – that’s the only difference between him and you and me.
He can’t find all his pieces.
The addicts – overtaken by a craving that is consuming them and turning their lives into living hells.
And all of this isn’t what the poem is about to the Captain but that is what it reminded me to think of.
Our words as poets are out of our control once they leave our heads, fall into the experience of other people and then if we are lucky and the words are memorable enough – they can turn and twist a few levers changing that persons day.
This poem did that to me.
Smile at everyone – it costs nothing. Have a chat now and then instead of storming blindly tossing things in the grocery trolley and heading out of there as fast as you can.
I’m as guilty of these things – this self directed busyness, blindness and that’s why I love this poem the most
It reminded me of what’s important. Hope you don’t mind me sharing Captain and I don’t think you’ve missed your chance to be cool – you poetry is plenty cool.
Oh and there’s heaps of other gold on his website so while you’re there, check them out.
Here’s the link – enjoy ❤️
https://scurvyq52.wordpress.com/2019/12/14/now-that-im-old/
As always thank you, it’s 2:30 in the morning here. I’m up thinking about my 2nd son, he checked himself in yesterday. Life became too much, I’m thankful he is safe.
We never stop worrying – it must be a relief to know he is somewhere he can hopefully get help. I’ll add him into my thoughts too ❤️
Thank you! The promise of cool is a false idol. I’m grateful now to always have been on the fringes, but I guess that is all about perception.
Perception and perspective and yes agree the the promise of cool is a false God – so many uncool people are actually cool because they refuse to conform 😊
Thankyou for that reminder at a Time when we’re all caught up with just ourselves. Godbless.
It’s the Captains reminder and it got me thinking so I just passed it along – all we can do is try and broaden our focus a little I guess
Well said, Kathryn. Just today, I had to remind my impatient son that a day will come when he will get to my age <3
It seems impossible to them doesn’t it? 😊
Thank you for this share of loving compassion! 💕❤️🙏⭐️
Sooo touching! Ironically, yesterday I watched an elderly man on the sidelines of the crowd. I thought how lonely he seemed and over looked. I went out of my way to say “Hello” and acknowledge him. One would have thought that I gave him a million dollars! Kindness matters!
One person is all it takes to change a day and make people feel human again – I think we need to be seen and a simple hello does that – I’m so glad you made his day
Lovely indeed! It fits well with the spirit of Christmas.
I think by the way you’ve taken the time to respond to my blog, you’ve demonstrated your worthiness to spread your warm cheer. Happy Holidays.
Thanks Usfman happy days to you too fellow human 😊