There was an old man who lived in the woods
Who had not been seen for many a year
The village elders would warn young and old
That this man was evil and slept with bears
Even the preacher would sermon to his credulous flock
Darkness and mayhem surrounded this man
To even look at him send one in shock
There was a young man whose mind was his own
And wondered about this solitary being
So he decided to venture into the valleys and over the stones
Decided to take in a little sightseeing
And visit this dark throne
He still was unsure so a knife went under his belt
He gathered some water and placed it in a backpack
He waited until morning and then started his quest
Up to the mountain where he hoped for the best
He saw a small cottage up on a hill
Smoke rising into the sky
He approached so very cautiously
And took in a deep sigh
He called out “anybody home?”
The door slowly opened
And to his surprise
Out came an old man with a glimmer in his eyes
He voice was gentle as he said “who’s there?”
So the young man responded “are there any bears?”
“Not recently, they come and go
But I have seen their footprints all over the snow”
“I am from the village down past the river”
“Oh,” said the old man
“Would you like to come in for a while
And warm up your toes?
I’ll leave the door open
I’ve almost finished making a stew”
So the young man entered
The old man sitting on a chair
His abode was humble
Obviously not a man of wealth
But books and manuscripts filled up numerous shelves
“Do you like to read?” the old man inquired
“I do read but the library is small
Not as many books as yours they could fill up the hall”
“Well, take any one you desire and keep it as yours”
“But I don’t know what to pick, I’ve really no class”
“Well take this one by Whitman,
It’s called ‘Leaves of Grass’”
And he handed it to him and told him it’s time to go
For he could feel in his bones an approaching snow
And the young man smiled and thanked him with for showing
That the truth all depended on which way the wind was blowing
ain't that the truth! this is like a folk tale that never grows old, the lesson one that can stand retelling day in and day out, for those who wish to see what exists outside of the boxed-in perception of social norms and the resultant fears...
A marvelous poetic story, Robert. And we would all do well to learn, and act, like that inquisitive young boy.
Reviewed by La Belle Rouge (Reader)
Reviewed on January 18, 2005
Such a beautiful story Jude, with a deep meaning. The boy is afraid of old age, he has been fed a lot of lies about the "Old Man" and when he finally is brave enough to look at reality he sees the beauty, the wisdom the warmth of the "Old Man" who gifts him with priceless things he could find no where else. This is a very unique and powerful though subtlely stated poem.
... which way the wind is blowing and which stars you use to plot your compass, perhaps! Take it that the choice of the Whitman title is significant, but, needless to say, with my apalling lack of reading, I have sadly no idea as to its content! Ignorance, prejudice, fear - all lead to barriers and walls that go up to exclude or defend. A sad state of affairs, especially for those who might otherwise deem themselves to be open-minded and enlightened - which, I suppose, everyone of us does! Life is just too short... Better the singular old man with his head in clouds, breathing the clean air of the mountains, than your other "Miss Havisham" of the other week, stuck in the gaudy fantasy of the distant past. Your narrative writes are neat; I thought this was going to be the inverse of your "boy representing the heart of a man"-write, and is some funny kind of way, I suppose it is! TY Kate xx
"That the truth all depended on which way the wind was blowing"
Outstanding truth...this was such a super fine wonderful write. Your words flowed as effortlessly as the wind in the story. I continue to be awed by you mastery of the English language Robert...this would make a short story for readers of all ages...much like the fables one read as a child...full of morals. Well done. :)
Allen
Reviewed by Andy Turner (Reader)
Reviewed on January 17, 2005
ACE...This is fantastical. The word picture are sublime. Metaphor is cleverly done.
Truely first rate. This should be on book shelves. Sure is a keeper...
Reviewed by Tiana ~ (Reader)
Reviewed on January 17, 2005
Wonderfully written, Jude! I enjoyed the moral to this great story line ... I was never one to be influenced by others ... Excellent message :)
Excellent sentiments, Bob...I agree wholeheartedly. Isn't it surprising how some are treated poorly just because they maybe just a bit different...? This one is a keeper for me, thanks, Ed & Rufuz
I have met and talked to a man very similiar to the old man in the woods. They are rare but after you encounter one the feeling of being in the presence of something special is so hard to capture.
Sharp colorful images. I really liked this, a bit of mystery, the Three Bears, Red Riding, Little Cabin in the Woods with a wonderful message all rolled into one
This is a great story, Jude. Very imaginative and child-like. It could be a children's book. So different from what I've come to expect of you. You are multi-faceted.
Reviewed by Kate Clifford (Reader)
Reviewed on January 17, 2005
I like the way you showed the young man being cautious and taking into account what he held, but being open minded enough to check things out for himself. Interesting spin with the bear prints :-)
A different path upon which you write, Robert... but only in style. Your deep grasp on truth and commentary is divinely there.
In a very special and far more gentle way than is sometimes "out here in the world" you have encapsulated a very pervasive side to this human nature thing. If we would only "see for ourselves" the fears and the barriers between people would crumble. Simple/Improbable/Sad.
I was entirely immersed in this... as the Irish would say, you are a wonderful Shanachie. (smile) You have a lovely heart. katy xox.
There are always two sides to every story and we should try to at least be familiar with both before forming our opinions. Knowledge of both sides still does not stop difference of opinion nor does it make either side true. Very nice story, great rhyme scheme. You deliver a solid message with this one, Robert.
Take care,
Sherry
Reviewed by Judy Lloyd (Reader)
Reviewed on January 17, 2005
Yes Robert this is wonderful and I enjoyed it so much.
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love and peace
Huda
Ron
Great Educational Write For Those Can Read Between Lines...
TRASK
This reminds me of a touch of Frost--and you're both named Robert--coincindence??? Love it, very creatively penned
(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. :)
Knowledge and contact helps reduce strife.
D
Love Tinka
Outstanding truth...this was such a super fine wonderful write. Your words flowed as effortlessly as the wind in the story. I continue to be awed by you mastery of the English language Robert...this would make a short story for readers of all ages...much like the fables one read as a child...full of morals. Well done. :)
Allen
Truely first rate. This should be on book shelves. Sure is a keeper...
Love, Bonnie
Well done.
Felix
I agree with Janet, a children'd book for sure
In a very special and far more gentle way than is sometimes "out here in the world" you have encapsulated a very pervasive side to this human nature thing. If we would only "see for ourselves" the fears and the barriers between people would crumble. Simple/Improbable/Sad.
I was entirely immersed in this... as the Irish would say, you are a wonderful Shanachie. (smile) You have a lovely heart. katy xox.
Take care,
Sherry
Jack