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Ripples

Down the dusty road, in tattered rags, He came, weary, wilted, and withered. Body bent with age, bones sticking out of the flabby skin, with a tremor running down his limbs. With eyes reflecting hope, he waited at my doorstep. No words came out from pursed lips but, in mute language begged for alms, hopeful he would never be betrayed I held his shriveled hand, helped him ascend the steps. Like a child obeying it’s Elder, he sat on a chair in the patio. The sumptuous fare, served before, he surveyed with eyes bulging out in utter disbelief, and greedily devoured every bit of morsel. A rare gleam lighted up his face. With hands folded in benison he stood up and silently took leave. I watched him stumble along the country track and fade away in the distance. Ripples of joy stirred my mind in ever widening circles as, a pebble idly tossed causes ripples in still waters over a random act of kindness idly tossed !
Placed First in Strand's Poetry Contest

Copyright © | Year Posted 2022




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Date: 2/2/2022 5:46:00 AM
This is beautiful, Valsa, any small act of kindness has its ripples of love and joy and hope passed on from one person to another:) excellent:)
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Date: 2/1/2022 2:40:00 AM
I had to rewrite my response now. The previous, lenghtier comment died in the SEND-ing. Shalom PTL
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Valsa George
Date: 2/1/2022 3:39:00 AM
Thank you dear Anil for the trouble taken....and your precious time.
Date: 2/1/2022 2:39:00 AM
Only great Love can cause such RIPLLES. Not an act tossed "idly" but from a character fashioned after the best (Helen Keller, Lincoln Gandhi) or God/ Jesus. Some of us will not
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Valsa George
Date: 2/1/2022 3:38:00 AM
Wow.... ! Where do I stand compared to those great people....? I just showed a little kindness.... ! The act wasn't very great, but the contentment that I noticed on his face caused ripples in me. Thank you dear brother for your sweet words
Date: 1/31/2022 2:21:00 PM
This is so moving dear friend. You have portrayed vividly an act of kindness in a breathtaking piece. A perfect winter morning treat. Masterfully done! Congratulations.
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Valsa George
Date: 2/1/2022 3:33:00 AM
Hi dear JCB...Thank you so much for this touching comment though this cannot be seen as a great act of kindness when we think of those who set out accomplishing the mission of taking care of the destitute and the invalid for a life time.
Date: 1/30/2022 6:14:00 AM
Excellent illustrations and insights. A kind bequest, as well as a lovely portrayal of an elderly gentleman. My friend, I thoroughly loved the waves of happiness.
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Valsa George
Date: 1/31/2022 8:14:00 AM
Much delighted by your comment dear Lasaad ! Thanks a lot !
Date: 1/29/2022 11:11:00 PM
Pay it forward. There are still many caring people in our world. Valsa, this poem delivers your true strength of character - empathy, generosity, and kindness. Leanne.
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Valsa George
Date: 1/30/2022 4:01:00 AM
I cannot claim to be all that good. But I know I am compassionate by nature ! Thanks a lot Leanne for your uplifting comment !
Date: 1/29/2022 11:41:00 AM
Hi, Valsa. This was beautifully presented and arranged. It's great knowing that there are still some caring people in the world. Enjoyed my friend. Hugs ~ Debra
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Valsa George
Date: 1/30/2022 3:59:00 AM
While some grow extremely selfish, there are always very good people out and out to help others. Such people always make me feel ashamed ! Thank you so much sweet friend !
Date: 1/29/2022 10:13:00 AM
This is very well done, though I hope it does not become a page in history . . . Aloha!
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Valsa George
Date: 1/30/2022 3:56:00 AM
A page in History..... ! I like it Rico... ! Thanks.... Your humor always stands out :)
Date: 1/29/2022 8:09:00 AM
Loved to presentation of, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you". I love to see people allow the Love of the Creator flow through them, as in this poem, Valsa. Blessings upon all who allow the Love to flow through themselves, Bill
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Valsa George
Date: 1/30/2022 3:55:00 AM
If we do not do some small acts of kindness, how can one claim to be a Christian ! Ever religion extols love and compassion. Thanks a lot Bill for your beautiful comment !
Date: 1/29/2022 5:04:00 AM
Much enjoyed the ripples of joy my friend. Great images and descriptions--act of benevolence resonates in mind upon reading your poem. Excellent depiction, Valsa.
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Valsa George
Date: 1/30/2022 3:52:00 AM
Acts of benevolence always makes us happy !
Date: 1/29/2022 1:48:00 AM
A good deed and a wonderful description of an old man.
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Valsa George
Date: 1/30/2022 3:51:00 AM
Good deeds give us instant joy and satisfaction ! He used to frequent our home . Generally I give him a little money and send him off. But that day, it was some occasion.... and I thought I should give him a decent meal... Thanks a lot Victor !
Date: 1/28/2022 10:31:00 PM
May your ripples never end, Valsa, and the sheer kindness. love your poem.
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Valsa George
Date: 1/30/2022 3:47:00 AM
Thanks a lot harry ! You are a kind and sweet gentleman !
Date: 1/28/2022 9:58:00 PM
Beautiful! In truth, the giver should be grateful to God for His so granting us an opportunity to act as a humble conduit of His boundless love and compassion.
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Valsa George
Date: 1/30/2022 3:45:00 AM
In fact we should be thankful to God for being able to spare something for those who do not have anything ! If at all we have something, it is God given and not secured by our merit. When I read poems like yours, I feel how small I am. Stay Blessed
Date: 1/28/2022 9:33:00 PM
Compassion, kindness and generosity are some of the most important virtues which you expressed to the stranger with an open heart, made you soar high like a gentle bird. Beautifully written Valsa!
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Valsa George
Date: 1/30/2022 3:41:00 AM
Thanks a lot Anselmo.... for our lovely comment. By nature I am sensitive and compassionate and I have similar instances to recall and narrate. Another person's pain always touches my heart!

Book: Reflection on the Important Things