An old man used to sit in front of his deteriorating old house every day, and wave at every car that went past. Then one day he was no longer there....
Ole’ Man Waving
I’m just an ole’ man, you see A farmer for many years, Now, I’m sick and old and tired, No strength left except for tears.
Nothing left to do
But mourn all that has passed
Just sitting here a waving at cars
Until my breath takes its last.
Gotta empty this ole head of mine Gotta write it all down, I say Gotta get rid of these demons That edge in sideways when I pray.
Gotta find me some peace of mind Put all these worries behind, Gotta struggle to make things good With a sad, tormented mind.
Gotta find God in this ole’ empty house Gotta put my wrinkled ole’ hands in His care Gotta believe He’ll bring me through Look out devil, you beware!
Now, God done’n took my hand, Done’n give me strength for one more day Gonna pull me up by my bootstraps, Gonna put some food in my belly, he say.
Ahhhhh haaaaaaa, some friendly neighbor Seen this skinny flesh of mine ‘dat sag Quietly came knocking on my door With a great big ole’ grocery bag.
Lawd how mercy, God, You done’n showed me You is real You done’n put food in my hungry ole’ belly You done’n give me strength to heal.
I thank Thee kindly, Lord, For all the blessings you graciously send Help me to be ever worthy, Lawd God, And praise you till my end.
Such a touching story my friend! There was an edlerly man that lived a couple of miles from me, and he too sat infront of his house day in and day out...waving at the cars that passed. I always threw my hand up and waved at him every time I drove past as did most of the people in the community. He did this for many years, I was so accustomed to seeing him there waving, until one day I went by and he wasn't there, the next day no sign of him, and on the third day I saw his obituary in the newspaper...such a sad thing. He was just a lonely old man, whom befriended everyone...I only hope that he didn't die alone...I guess we'll never know...hadn't thought about him in some time...great write my friend, very touching!
Blessings,
Joyce B.
Gotta...gotta...gotta...this reminds me of the unsettled soul that wants to get all his ducks in a row, here on earth, who unconciously, prepares his way for heaven...
Post it notes! My mom left a zillion post it notes before she went back home...I still find new ones even after six years!
Maybe something triggers our spirit to feel this way...
Excellent write!
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~
Jeanette, your voice comes through in this piece, this is a sad poem but oh so true...we all lose our energy & strength as we become older. The vivid images in this piece are heart rendering and the voice keeps us interested until the very last line. I'd say you have a gem here.
This one brought tears, Jeanette. I could just see this frail old man in my mind, all the while thinking about my soon-to-be 99-year-old-dad. A touching write from start to finish. Excellent!
It's a sad, pathetic, unhappy scene: Old persons alone, neglected and forgotten, persons that were once vibrant and zestfully alive now but an abandoned memory sitting without visitors in broken down homesteads and nursing homes.
Then the flesh rings out with a spiritual hallelujah as suddenly the aged old carcass is acknowledged as a creation of God, worthy of the sharing concern of a too-busy society.
Ole' Man Waving is a poignant reminder that we are only as strong as is our concern for the feeble and less privileged. This stirring poem poses questions:
Will I be "lucky" enough to live to an old age?
When I stand before God on Judgment Day, how will I answer His question: "And what did you do in the time I granted you on earth to justify my creation of your soul?"
As always, Jeanette, your insightful and creative writing reaches me deep inside and makes me rededicate myself to my purpose in being.
A story with original photography, digital art, and illustration, about Son of Waves, 12 Dolphins to save the planet, David The Visionary on the beach in Tel Aviv, a digital messiah, and an internet of Love. Free PDF download.
Share
Print
Save
Follow
Blessings,
Joyce B.
Post it notes! My mom left a zillion post it notes before she went back home...I still find new ones even after six years!
Maybe something triggers our spirit to feel this way...
Excellent write!
Love and Peace~
Kimmy~
Be safe,
Karen
Well written j
(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :)
God Bless
Much love
Lena
Beautifully penned, the simple things in life. Well done!
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Then the flesh rings out with a spiritual hallelujah as suddenly the aged old carcass is acknowledged as a creation of God, worthy of the sharing concern of a too-busy society.
Ole' Man Waving is a poignant reminder that we are only as strong as is our concern for the feeble and less privileged. This stirring poem poses questions:
Will I be "lucky" enough to live to an old age?
When I stand before God on Judgment Day, how will I answer His question: "And what did you do in the time I granted you on earth to justify my creation of your soul?"
As always, Jeanette, your insightful and creative writing reaches me deep inside and makes me rededicate myself to my purpose in being.
With love and sincere admiration,
Richard
But mourn all that has passed
Just sitting here a waving at cars
Until my breath takes its last.
Quite a sad poetic tale, Jeanette.
Very beautiful and compassionate story/poem. Feeding the body is just as important as feeding the soul.