My heart stirs with compassion
as I watch the old woman carrying
her packages down the sidewalk.
Most likely many years past the
ability to drive but I surmise that
she still must use her unsteady
legs to make her way to retrieve
food and the other necessities
of sustenance. Has she no one
who can or will assist her? I think
of my own mother who is now
surrounded by family members
and others who pitch in to aid
her in all of her daily needs.
I marvel at the strength it takes
of an elderly woman (who I
judge should be relaxing and
cared for in her later years) to
trek out into the world and fend
for herself. Of course these are
all assumptions I’m making but
still I send blessings that she
be well, that she feel loved,
may she feel content, and may
all of the universe support her
soul on its singular journey.
For some reason tears appear.
Join us for Poetics hosted by Paul Dear Tuesday 3PM EST at dVerse Poets Pub where he presents Blessing poems.
paul scribbles
/ June 27, 2017This kind of blessing comes from the heart of compassion and the tears will carry it on. Thanks for sharing.
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whippetwisdom
/ June 27, 2017A very moving poem and blessing Gayle, at some level she will feel the ripples of the love with which you wrote this.
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Björn Rudberg (brudberg)
/ June 27, 2017Love the kind of blessing drawn from compassion… I hope she is blessing that she can handle it all without help… maybe she feels better so.
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frankhubeny
/ June 27, 2017I liked the description of “singular journey” made all the more singular by her isolation.
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Renee Espriu
/ June 27, 2017Poignant piece Gayle. I am sure all your well wishes have found there way into this woman’s heart. Hope you are well and hope your mother is doing well also.
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Bodhirose
/ June 28, 2017Thank you, Renee. I’m sure they found there way to her too. I’m doing well and Mom has her ups and downs which are to be expected I suppose. I hope all is well in your world too. xo
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Renee Espriu
/ July 6, 2017Late to reply…sorry. Glad all is doing as well as can be expected. My INR was out of wack for about six weeks but now has calmed down. Visited my son in Ritzville an hour out of Spokane. My first really long trip but enjoyed seeing their house which is on the historical register. I am trying out some new ways to do my art and still posting for Jamie Dedes. Will have to call you at some point. Enjoy your Summer.
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Beverly Crawford
/ June 27, 2017Perhaps to offer her a ride, to learn how help might be offered would be a gift for you both. A very touching story. You plucked our heartstrings.
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Bodhirose
/ June 28, 2017I’ve actually given strangers rides…didn’t always turn out for the best (nothing dangerous, thank goodness!) but yes, always a gift to be able to assist someone else. Thank you, Beverly.
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Betty Hayes Albright
/ June 27, 2017I agree with Renee, that your loving thoughts found her somehow and that it gave her strength. There are so many of the elderly and disabled who must somehow fend for themselves. It shouldn’t be this way in our so-called advanced society. But I see it often and my heart goes out to them, as yours did. You have a beautiful soul, Gayle.
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Bodhirose
/ June 28, 2017I believe my well wishes found their way to her without a doubt…I sent them to her! It’s actually a Buddhist practice that I learned called Loving-Kindness meditation where you send out loving thoughts and kindness to strangers (or to whoever). It often opens my heart and tears flow. And thank you kindly, Betty, for your compliment for me; I’m very touched. xo
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Betty Hayes Albright
/ June 28, 2017That would be metta? I don’t know a lot about Buddhism but all my adult life have sent out the loving thoughts to others – strangers I see out in public like doctors’ offices, parking lots, walking up the street. It seems to be an instinct and I can feel the need, and the energies being sent. Maybe I was a Buddhist in a past life. Though I think it’s not limited to any one spiritual faith. Have you read any Caroline Myss? This is also one of her practices. I guess this shows our connection, Gayle – the oneness beyond labels. With metta. 💓
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Bodhirose
/ June 29, 2017Yes, metta. I don’t know a lot about Buddhism either but that practice really spoke to me when I was introduced to it. Maybe you were a Buddhist in a past life…but no don’t think well wishing is limited to one belief system either. Yes, I have read some of Caroline Myss, she has much wisdom and grace. And I so love what you said here, “the oneness beyond labels.” With metta my friend. xo
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Victoria C. Slotto
/ June 27, 2017I find myself filling in details like this when I see someone seeming to be in a hard place. I like to bless homeless when I see them pushing their carts. Another thing that has helped me (wish I could remember it every time I’m driving) is to bless other drivers I pass on the road, especially those who are in such a hurry. Nicely written narrative poem, Gayle.
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nosaintaugustine
/ June 27, 2017I encounter elderly people often at my work and it is so hard when I find they have no family nearby. That could be any one of us. You paint a picture of a strong woman, to be so independent at that stage of life. I second your beautiful prayer for her. 🙂
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Grace
/ June 27, 2017May she be blessed with good health and energy to carry out her chores and everyday sustenance ~
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Waltermarks
/ June 27, 2017You would think someone would help, I hope so. I’m also glad she still has the strength to take the walk
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Sherry Marr
/ June 27, 2017This is very sweet. I relate to that woman, as I hobble about doing what needs to be done on unsteady legs……it is amazing how quickly that time comes, and what a surprise it is, lol. A really beautiful poem, Gayle.
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Nan Mykel
/ June 27, 2017Lovely. I can feel the compassion.
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petrujviljoen
/ June 28, 2017I wish her well too!
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dragonbad8507
/ June 28, 2017Lovely. So much I see and want to help. It is a blessing to be able to help others, even if it is only a prayer.
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sreeja Harikrishnan
/ June 28, 2017Oh I am totally with you….such thoughts come to mind whenever I see old people going alone….beautiful blessing….I too am praying!
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Dr. Crystal Howe
/ June 28, 2017Yes, it is compassion that offers her blessings. I love this, especially these lines:
still I send blessings that she
be well, that she feel loved,
may she feel content, and may
all of the universe support her
soul on its singular journey.
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Imelda
/ June 28, 2017Beautiful, Gayle.
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Sascha Darlington
/ June 28, 2017This is beautiful and kind.
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Glenn Buttkus
/ June 28, 2017I’m now in the unsteady legs club myself–thank God I can still drive–my disability has worsened slowly over 20 years; makes life challenging. Love your poem & your heart.
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lynn__
/ June 28, 2017A tender piece…someday that may be us. I hope someone helps her!
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ladynyo
/ July 1, 2017Miy god….this made my own tears come. recently I saw a couple of different women on the street, struggling to get back from wherever they came, and carrying groceries. They were old, and probably in facilities for the homeless….of which, there are not enough. or safe enough. There but the grace of my husband would possibly be me. My heart goes out to these women….and my heart goes out to you, Gayle….for your own compassionate heart. Bless you with the gifts of the Universe!
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Bodhirose
/ July 2, 2017Thank you for the sweet blessing! And may blessings rain down on you in abundance for peace of mind, joy in your heart and contentment for the rest of your days. xo
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ladynyo
/ July 2, 2017Thank you, Gayle, from your voice to the Universe’s.
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