Frost on roof and
paving
My heart is full of
sorrow
And guilt
After speaking to a
young man
On the street
Craving for a shower
A bed to sleep on
He itched his hair and
skin
He was from Syria
I did not ask his name
I call him Ahmed
Ahmed means
praiseworthy
We have a shower
A bath
A spare bed
Rooms we never use
Hot water
Towels
Duvets
We could offer comfort
Keep him well fed
But I didn’t make the
gesture
I was scared to share
my comfort
Afraid of what might follow
If I welcomed in a
stranger
What if he didn’t fit into
our lives?
And wished to stay
after tomorrow?
I gave him money
He took my hand
Rested it on his
forehead
Brushed my fingers
against his lips
Bowed his head
I said goodbye
Wished him luck
Ahmed gave me love
What did I give?
6 comments:
I really like the way that this poem moves from thought to thought; its layout is great. A nice little snapshot of a moment in time.
I wouldn't say that he gave you love, however -- and you helped him, so you did what was reasonable.
A good read -- it's always useful to be able to read people's works that they've read out to the group. I like it; you express yourself very well.
The group is really alive this month!
Alex
You certainly put into words what I have felt many times 💔 its good you did what you could that day. Brave too, to write a poem like this, about yourself as well as about Ahmed.
Thank you Alex and Irena. Alex I felt he gave me love or at least showed his love by taking my hand; he didn't have anything more to give, whereas I had. I do appreciate you both taking the time to.
I do like this blog because I can take my time in understanding something that has been read out at the meeting but was too quick for me to absorb.
Agreed Jennie...good to be able to read the work of others properly, and get more from it than on the initial reading 🙂
Error in my blog_ should say '.... taking the time to comment'. Actually thought I had deleted that sentence - sorry!
In response to your first comment in this thread, Jennie:
Yes, but you don't have to give someone, particularly a stranger, all that you potentially could give them. You did something for him -- quite a lot, actually -- as opposed to nothing, and I'm sure that it was very much appreciated. Most people wouldn't have done that -- and some would have helped him, but not to the extent that you did. Any help is better than none at all. Had your roles been reversed, would he have invited you into his home? What would most people in your position have done...?
Regarding his taking your hand: Well, I suppose it depends on how you perceive that...
Anyway, it was a good read, and I liked it -- and it has raised some interesting questions, which is good. You're a good writer. Keep it up!
Alex
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