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9/28/2024
Beginning and end quotes from Henry Wadsworth Longfellow - Tales of a Wayside Inn, Part Third, The Theologian's Tale, Elizabeth.
In the context of this poem, 'To offer one's hand' to someone simply means holding out your hand to shake hands.
Image created by Mark Toney using DALL-E (2024-09-28)
”Ships that pass in the night, and speak each other in passing, Only a signal shown and a distant voice in the darkness;” —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
We met in business class
Me the window, she the aisle
After introductions, silence
Eventually conversing awhile
She had come for extra training
Me a weekday conference stay
Learned we’d reserved the same hotel
Deplaned each our separate way
Serendipity in baggage claim area
Riding the hotel shuttle bus
She asked, “Care to go Dutch treat for lunch?
Or not … No need to make a fuss”
After ordering she asked, “Are you married?”
Happily flashed ring finger as yes
Added we also have two sons
She replied, “You are truly blessed”
Since she had shown genuine interest
I was happy to further respond
Offering details of my family life
Then, now, and beyond
Our discussion turned to things deeper
Current events … are we doing what we can
to help alleviate pain and suffering?
Does God really care about man?
Within a short time lunch was over
She thanked me for taking the time
Offering she was divorced and lonely
Making each day an uphill climb
Being lonely seeking transitory workarounds
But this had gone better than planned
Further sustaining her confident optimism
there are still many good, decent men
We said our goodbyes and best wishes
Smiled and then she offered her hand
Two ships passing in the light of day
Never would I see her again
”So on the ocean of life we pass and speak one another, Only a look and a voice, then darkness again and a silence.” —Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Copyright © Mark Toney | Year Posted 2024
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