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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Daniel Avatar
February 2, 2022 at 5:46 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:)
Deo Avatar
February 1, 2022 at 2:40 AM
I had to rewrite my response now. The previous, lenghtier comment died in the SEND-ing. Shalom PTL
George Avatar
February 1, 2022 at 3:39 AM
Thank you dear Anil for the trouble taken....and your precious time.
Deo Avatar
February 1, 2022 at 2:39 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
George Avatar
February 1, 2022 at 3:38 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
Brul Avatar
January 31, 2022 at 2:21 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.
George Avatar
February 1, 2022 at 3:33 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.
Poet Avatar
January 30, 2022 at 6:14 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.
George Avatar
January 31, 2022 at 8:14 AM
Much delighted by your comment dear Lasaad ! Thanks a lot !
Labyrinth Avatar
January 29, 2022 at 11:11 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.
George Avatar
January 30, 2022 at 4:01 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 !
Brown Avatar
January 29, 2022 at 11:41 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
George Avatar
January 30, 2022 at 3:59 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 !
Leffanta Avatar
January 29, 2022 at 10:13 AM
This is very well done, though I hope it does not become a page in history . . . Aloha!
George Avatar
January 30, 2022 at 3:56 AM
A page in History..... ! I like it Rico... ! Thanks.... Your humor always stands out :)
Baker Avatar
January 29, 2022 at 8:09 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
George Avatar
January 30, 2022 at 3:55 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 !
Pandit Avatar
January 29, 2022 at 5:04 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.
George Avatar
January 30, 2022 at 3:52 AM
Acts of benevolence always makes us happy !
Buhagiar Avatar
January 29, 2022 at 1:48 AM
A good deed and a wonderful description of an old man.
George Avatar
January 30, 2022 at 3:51 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 !
Horsman Avatar
January 28, 2022 at 10:31 PM
May your ripples never end, Valsa, and the sheer kindness. love your poem.
George Avatar
January 30, 2022 at 3:47 AM
Thanks a lot harry ! You are a kind and sweet gentleman !
Seeker Avatar
January 28, 2022 at 9:58 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.
George Avatar
January 30, 2022 at 3:45 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
Boles Avatar
January 28, 2022 at 9:33 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!
George Avatar
January 30, 2022 at 3:41 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!
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