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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 © | Year Posted 2024




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Date: 12/15/2024 10:28:00 AM
A tale of innocent connection between a man and woman... each connecting on a deep level yet not crossing the boundary into the forbidden. A truly wholesome and lovely story written with rhythm and seamless flow! Loved it! Xo
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Mark Toney
Date: 12/15/2024 9:31:00 PM
Perfect summary, Crystol. Thank you for brightening my day. :)
Date: 11/21/2024 12:56:00 AM
and yet the afterburn of shared warmth lingers, love platonic or maybe not, hardly matters, what counts is the fragrance imbibed, the touch embraced and released, with positivity, empathy and even compassion.
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Mark Toney
Date: 11/21/2024 7:42:00 AM
Thank you for your delightful poetic summation, Unseeking Seeker. Your comment would make a better end quote than Longfellow's ;)
Date: 10/13/2024 2:49:00 AM
Lovely tale Mark, that happens often throughout life. Maria
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Mark Toney
Date: 10/19/2024 9:34:00 AM
Thank you for the thoughtful comment, Maria. I'm sorry that I'm tardy in responding. October 15 is the income tax filing extension deadline in the U.S., and since I'm an IRS Enrolled Agent, I've been burning the candle at both ends!
Date: 10/5/2024 3:20:00 AM
Mark l absolutely love this tale and message! Excellent! Debx
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Mark Toney
Date: 10/6/2024 1:16:00 PM
You brightened up my day, Deb. I'm so glad you liked it! :)

Book: Reflection on the Important Things