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Quick Encounters

Some people are just uncomfortable She is putting on a smile under her mask I don’t know if it’s her or it’s me She’s nice, a little hurried Even her son’s spirit seems lost to the horizon They are no strangers Some people hurry and still make me feel safe mask or no mask There is a message tucked away behind one’s flesh I can meet a stranger even have a quick encounter and feel kinship The lady in the Santa hat ringing her bell at this time of year as if she’s always been there She’s warm Her message says, “Hello.” Nothing nefarious, truly kind Don’t get me wrong it could be me… Maybe I’m too approachable encroaching in an unwanted space… Still the angel that went to heaven had wide open arms it could be me… I will always wonder but then I’m too old to be bothered

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Sara Kendrick

Date: 1/24/2024 3:46:00 AM

Back with congratulations on your poem being on the best new 100 poems' list. Sara K

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 1/24/2024 4:02:00 AM

Thank you so much, Sara!

Paula Goldsmith

Date: 12/29/2023 10:08:00 AM

Congratulations on being on the "100 Best New Poems" list for Soup. A wonderful write. Have a great/wonderful day/2024 writing away.................

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 12/29/2023 12:19:00 PM

Thank you and for telling me. I didn’t know! :)

Dean Wood

Date: 12/27/2023 3:08:00 PM

It's a wonderful time of year. More genuine, less guarded. Congratulations on this recognition. Good to see you are still writing.

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 12/27/2023 7:00:00 PM

Thank you so much, Dean! Blessings!

Mike Bayles

Date: 12/9/2023 8:26:00 AM

A great portrayal of a conflict we face. On the surface, we're smiling, but are troubled inside. It leaves us wondering.

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 12/9/2023 8:16:00 PM

Truly! Oh one day in heaven we can wonder to our heart’s content and see miles and miles of smiles! :)

Paige Hind

Date: 12/8/2023 3:53:00 PM

Very personal yet deep... I could see you walking around a mall somewhere. :)

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 12/9/2023 8:15:00 PM

I was at Sam’s Club. Mall’s are a bit scary nowadays. I don’t visit them often.

Heidi Sands

Date: 12/7/2023 5:14:00 AM

Very nice poem to read today Kim. Well done :)

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 12/7/2023 5:32:00 AM

Thank you, Heidi!

Victor Buhagiar

Date: 12/6/2023 9:29:00 PM

An enjoyable read, Sorry for posting so little. Getting old. Hugs.

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 12/7/2023 5:32:00 AM

No problem, my friend xx

Evelyn Judy Buehler

Date: 12/6/2023 8:17:00 PM

Your poem is just delightful, and so true, Kim. Oftentimes chance encounters leave lasting impressions. Others involve simply a smile or a kind word. Beautifully written! :)

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 12/6/2023 8:29:00 PM

Thank you, Evelyn! :)

Hiya Sharma

Date: 12/6/2023 6:56:00 PM

Oh, this poem is quite insightful and reflective.. Sometimes, people whom we know, can possess a certain uncomfortable aura and those strangers can bring us a special joy whom we have met in just few moments.. You've presented those feelings and thoughts in a very intriguing way here.. Wonderfully crafted.. And that ending as well! :)

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 12/6/2023 7:12:00 PM

Thank you, Hiya! I appreciate you!

Sara Etgen-Baker

Date: 12/6/2023 3:50:00 PM

I found your poem uplifting, Kim. I often feel a certain kinship with strangers I encounter at the grocery store or the mall, etc. Like you, I wonder if I'm too approachable, too trusting, etc. I guess I'd rather be who I am rather than the alternative, a cynical person. Am faving this one because I found it delightful. Have a splendid evening, Kim, hugs, Sara

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 12/6/2023 5:07:00 PM

Thank you, Sara! Just keeping it real!

Silent One

Date: 12/6/2023 11:56:00 AM

I know a few people like this.. well expressed Kim..

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 12/6/2023 3:32:00 PM

Thank you, my friend!

Gershon Wolf

Date: 12/5/2023 7:44:00 PM

How about those 'dark-alley' Santas? Ever have a quick encounter with one of them? No beards, no gifts, no muss, no fuss. ~ Robbed and Pillaged

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 12/6/2023 6:01:00 AM

Thankfully no but I do remember one horror movie where scary Santa shows up at the door. Beware the elf that shows up in your home…lol.

Jerry Brotherton

Date: 12/5/2023 5:57:00 PM

Your last stanza brings it home for me. Yes, I could wonder but I am too old to care.

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 12/6/2023 6:01:00 AM

For sure! Hugs

Yann Rolland

Date: 12/5/2023 5:55:00 PM

so lovely words, and kind message for our hearts, njoyed this warm poem as we all need, take care poet

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 12/6/2023 6:02:00 AM

Thank you kindly, Yann! :)

David Fisher

Date: 12/5/2023 5:21:00 PM

Enjoyed a nice look into one of best parts of the busy-ness of life. Kinship is such a good feeling. Loved the last stanza, and it seems like it's probably them.

Kim Rodrigues
Date: 12/6/2023 6:02:00 AM

And I thank you for that…lol