Through Others Eyes

Through Others Eyes

I often see him sitting there as I wander through the park. Always on the same bench, staring at the scene before him.  His face mostly without expression, never smiling or acknowledging a ventured wave or nod. I  wonder what thoughts and experiences are hidden behind the dark lenses that always cloak his eyes.

Today I stop and take a seat beside him. I am startled by his hello.  I return his greeting and remark on the beauty of the day.  He agrees and relates how much he enjoys the smell of the lilacs and the sound of the trees stirring in the breeze.

He likes to hear the traffic on the nearby street, and the voices that surround him as 
they pass him by. He comments on the pigeons that scurry around our feet, looking for the next handout. I usually bring some bread crumbs he says as I know they will be waiting 
 
I ask him if he lives nearby.  He says no, he must take the bus to come here.  A small price to pay to experience the life that lingers in the park he says.  The days are ever changing and the sights and sounds do not repeat themselves.  Life moves through here with bold steps he says. Much can be learned if we just sit and observe.

I must admit you see much more then me, I say. Much of what you see I pass by without cognizance. It is refreshing to observe things through others eyes.

I see the first sign of a smile Just a slight curling at the corners of his mouth. He rises and says he must be going. From his pocket, he withdraws a folded white cane and opens it to its fullest.

He turns in my direction, thanks me for the visit and says “I hope to see you again”.  
Then with a muted tap, tap, tap, he slowly walks away.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

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Trusty Avatar
January 13, 2012 at 2:39 PM
You and I have a penchant for the narrative. Fortunately for all of us who like the form, you took us to school with this work of yours. I enjoyed every word. I've been the wanderer most of my life but I find I'm getting comfortable with becoming the man with the cane these days." tap, tap, tap, Bob. " JT
Quigley Avatar
January 13, 2012 at 10:16 PM
Greatly enjoyed your comments John. Narratives are my favorites. Thanks for stopping by
Onclaud Avatar
January 12, 2012 at 7:34 PM
a deep,sensotive write from one who loves the beauty of life.. congrats, bob!,,:) huggs
Quigley Avatar
January 12, 2012 at 10:54 PM
Thank you nette. Glad you liked it
K. Avatar
January 12, 2012 at 12:24 PM
I really enjoyed this one-- amazing really how other people can put things into perspective for us, making us see what we overlook.... wonderful narrative here! Thanks and super congrats on your win, Bob!
Quigley Avatar
January 12, 2012 at 2:56 PM
Thanks Nikko and you are right. We look but do not see.
Brown Avatar
January 12, 2012 at 8:56 AM
Congratulations on your win in Debbie Guzzi's "Come to Your Senses" contest Bob. Love, Carol
Quigley Avatar
January 12, 2012 at 9:30 AM
Thanks Carol
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
January 12, 2012 at 5:37 AM
Another good one. Congratulations x
Quigley Avatar
January 12, 2012 at 8:07 AM
Thanks again Mandy
Sweetheart Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 9:37 PM
CONGRATS BOB ON SUPER SECOND PLACE WIN .. AWESOME PIECE ..LUV..
Quigley Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 10:38 PM
Thanks Linda-Marie
Lefanue Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 7:31 PM
Congratulations on your win, Bob. Through Others Eyes - yes how seldom we stop to give thanks for all those little things that we take for granted. God bless, Maureen :)
Quigley Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 10:39 PM
Thanks very much Maureen
Dietrich Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 5:48 PM
good golly, is this ever good. YOu should enter it into a soup contest. The BIG one. Congrats on a most deserved win, Bob!!!
Quigley Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 10:41 PM
I may have to break down and become a premium member. One entry limit doesn't really cut it. But I'll have one in there anyway.
Richards Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 4:52 PM
This moves me so much Bob....why is it we sometimes need to be reminded to look deeper than what the eyes can see, we take so much for granted, what a lovely poem this is!
Quigley Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 10:41 PM
Thank you Carrie. Much appreciated.
Goudreau Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 3:53 PM
Heartfelt and moving read! Congratulations on your winnings. A well deserving place with this awesome write. Happy New Year! If you have time would you kindly rate/review (carefree) ty
Quigley Avatar
January 11, 2012 at 10:42 PM
Thank you Suzanne
Guzzi Avatar
July 8, 2011 at 2:31 PM
Just wonderful. I would write it in paragraph form and list it as narrative! Light & Love
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