"smell good in here,
like a hospital"
bleach, to sterilize
but her eyes wide wait
eager for a plate, meager
donated, out-dated
leftover
beef stew
fruit
salad
we sit, i listen around
bites, re-fill her thrice,
she, me, with her story
before a smack lip sigh
"well gotta go, almost time
for the bed line"
Tell a story in 55 words. Give it a try or just read more, go see G-man.
Spent the morning at the soup kitchen down town, making friends.
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96 comments:
You make the most unfortunate of situations beautiful by your word paintings.
You gave her the ability to fly, if only through your words and the time well spent.
Thanks for bringing it here, for taking us there.
Life is a very simple thing--we spend a lot of time breaking our own wings on the hardness. Liked it much, my friend.
That sterilized smell makes me nervous. "smack lip sigh" nice detail.
It's scary to think how that could so easily be any of us. You captured it, dancing around the edges, yet painting the whole picture.
I work at a shelter sometimes, the stories are always heart wrenching...
and is it weird i love the smell of bleach, lol
the master story-teller strikes again :) Ugh. that last line kind of punches you in the gut. it's a sad reality. i'm sure you brightened her morning...
a day well spent...good for you! the title says it all....sad....but true -
i wish she could fly again..and just love that you go there
I can smell that hospital smell. Hard way for some to have to live, but glad that there is food to eat and shelter to sleep.
This made me think right away of the wxpression: 'There but for the grace of God, go I'
So true.
She may not know it but you have given her a voice today, smacking lips together, or not.
Sad and touching... specially this:
eager for a plate, meager
donated, out-dated
leftover
thanks for sharing this~
And yes, I will post something for G-man too!
those less fortunate than the rest of us truly do have an innocence all of their own.
--snow
It's heart rending most times but certainly most fulfilling.You have your hands full and still time for the unfortunates. Bless you and bless them all!
I wish she could fly again....nice, Brian.
survival
Brian, wonderful thing you're doing helping out. Really enjoyed this piece, however the cynic in me may have interpreted the piece a bit different. I think you make some great observations on lifestyle in here as well, and perhaps are sharing a similar view here. But however intended, it worked for me, and quite brilliantly might I add, thanks
Good read. =)
You see what most purposefully turn to avoid. You have taught me much even though most of our relationship has been through blog comments.
you're amazing...you write beautiful poetry and volunteer to help the most needed in society. you have a place in heaven, friend.
i like eyes wide wait...
Brian, I may be way off, but this sounds a bit like my house. Leftovers....bedtime line.
Sometimes broken wings can be healed. Sometimes.
who are you?
good
I like your title as well. And sometimes a simple ear to listen is all one needs in the moment to be an encouragement. Listening is showing respect, showing that you care and giving the other person a sense of self worth. I hope she flies again one day....
My favorite time @ work is when I get to volunteer @ our Metropolitan Ministries.. good times..
so enjoyed this write..
My favorite time @ work is when I get to volunteer @ our Metropolitan Ministries.. good times..
so enjoyed this write..
My favorite time @ work is when I get to volunteer @ our Metropolitan Ministries.. good times..
so enjoyed this write..
That sounds like someone making lemonade out of lemons. Nice read.
Nice. God bless you, Brian.
This bitter-sweet story told fully in such few words. You have a unique gift Brian. Thanks for sharing it.
great to work with those who are struggling gives so much perspective to life as well as gratitude
thanks for the willingness to do that - know those boys are learning
Few words yet deep meaning
You always take situations and give them a great screening
In your own little way
Just as you did today
I happen to like hospital food Son.
Loved your 55 as well.
Thanks for your awesome support week after week.
Thanks for playing, and have a Kick Ass Week-End!!
brian, i just posted a post. i want to come along.
Tight and compact, yet tells a whole story. Great!
I agree with 5thsister...You create Word Paintings...♥
Oh, I could see her! Well done, Brian.
Hi! Brian...
Once again, what a very vivid picture you "paint" in just 55 words you described such a
"heart-breaking" situation that so many people are "living" and "dealing" with in every part Of this world we inhibit today.
I almost don't want to say "Thanks, for sharing," but I have to because it's..."real."
deedee :-(
i've read whole books that didn't say as much. Excellent 55, Brian.
I hope that they were not broken on the wheel!
sigh.
your talent with words is truly inspiring, and amazing.
this is wow!
so visually evocative
you captured the life of the shelter-
and the fellowship there.
Aloha from Waikiki;
My posts seem to be updating again!!!! Hooray!
Comfort Spiral
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You have superhuman empathy, sir, and the world is greater for it.
Sad, yet beautiful, Brian. Thanks for your sweet words. I'm happy, I truly am...but exhausted!
Life!!!!!
Whenever you become enlightened; let me know. I am stick stuck resolving it.. :)
Many smiles xoxox
Fabulous reflection! Thanks for spending the morning there.
Loved the way u express your feelings and thoughts !!
First time here, and now I am looking forward to new posts !!
Regards
Random Scribblings !!
If ever you write a book on phraseology I'll buy it.
Thank you for sharing Brian. Beautifully written.
amazing what you can visualise from 55 words.
i'm up today too
So very touching!
Ah. So beautifully said. I like. Making friends at soup kitchen. Sigh.
I may steer well clear of a soup plate today...
You do write beautifully with insight to so many things.
Maggie X
Nuts in May
Hi Brian,
I am probably stranger here... i don't know if you will like my presence here but i just like to read your poetry. This piece reminds me those days i spent in the hospital attending my Grandma who had been confined a few months ago.. definitely, a place she wouldn't want to stay... now grandma was all ok and ready to spread her wings again.. this time wider... thank you for the poem. And good luck!(:
~Kelvin
Listening without judging is just as important as filling the bowl.
Helping those less fortunate can be so rewarding. :)
Sad, but glad there are people like you there to help. I've volunteered at our local shelter and it's very humbling. Makes you think twice about complaining when the dishwasher breaks down or the lawn needs to be mowed.
Great write Brian. Always a joy to help others. Thank you for sharing.
I am sad that this is the last time that you host OSP. Thank you for all you have done, and thank you for your kind words. I will follow you on this journey.
You are a beautiful soul, Brian. Wherever you go, you make connections with those around you, and that's what makes your writing so powerful. Thank you for a great year!
Imagine waiting in line for every little thing. Kind of like Soviet Russia back in the day, I imagine.
A compassionate 55, Brian.
Donated our left-overs... aren't we generous? My daughter was cleaning her room and everything she didn't want (used, broken) she said "I'll give that to the poor people"... quite a reality check...
Is OSP ending or just transferring hats? I added you to my blogs I follow (can't believe you weren't' on there already!) so I will be able to continue to enjoy your talent!
Hope you are having a wonderful summer and thanks for all your OSP effort!
Brian Miller, Do you know that Forex Is Highest Paying Keyword in Google Adsense? Learn how to use Forex here:
Why is it some of the most beautiful butterfly minds are found in the soup kitchens? Society's priorities I guess. Loved this 55.
There are many like her, that's for sure. Their resiliency never fails to amaze me.
But I wish it weren't necessary.
"/
Heading out of town for a couple of weeks. Keep fighting the good fight, Brian!
5thsister is right, you can take an situation beautiful with your words.
I love this...a tight piece with internal rhyme.
Love your 55 Brian..
Someone is Special
I used to work at a soup kitchen. All they let me do was wash dishes. :( I did it every week for 3 years. I don't know why they never let me cook? hmmm.
aww, very sweet brian.
thats a great thing to do... something I've wanted to do for awhile.
bleach in a hospital... mixed with food... that's all that remains when the one has to leave... I hated having to leave when my late broter was there..
you...!
Dignity, that's all anyone asks for.
she, me, with her story
before a smack lip sigh
"well gotta go, almost time
for the bed line"
Witnessing is often the greatest gift we can give one another. Thank you for the reminder.
great desciption of your time with her. also the topic is a great reminder to all of us to volunteer and just be grateful.
I really like the title. and your poem rather fits it. Thanks
That's an awesome, quick, compelling, intriguing story! Sometimes I get carried away with my adjective. Love your blog!
http://www.benjity.wordpress.com
Kind people like you make me happy!
Thanks for sharing your world through your wonderful poetry!
Really liked this one!
Margie :)
Times are tough for sure...glad to see nice guys like you still helping out!
Wonderful words from a wonderful man... "Butterflies with broken wings"... thank the lord their are beautiful people like yourself that are there to tend the broken butterflies. Wonderful people like yourself that care enough to make a difference. :)
You never cease to amaze me.
Wow, jj
Do you know the song "This Old Town," which starts with:
"This old town should've burned down in 1929
That's when we stood in line
Waiting for our soup and
Swallowing our pride."
You're the best, you know that!
touching man... very touching! I was there with you ass I read and re-read that piece.
You are a good man.
you're such a nice person, making time and giving your love to so many other people..giving attention when most of us walk by absorbed in our own life
you teach me
Profound, and profoundly good.
can just see her with that plate, so moved by your words, you do wonderful things down there Brian. Dad used to go to the League of Welldoers, shared his 80th b/day with everyone, an extended lunch hope they all enjoyed for that short time - cook was an ex navy guy, meal was highlight of many of their days - hugs Lib x x
You have shared the pain of hunger in such a beautiful way..she was given sustenance and then was able to use her wings to fly.
Brian...perfect for the prompt...and thank you so much for sharing your mad skills with us this week. You've given us 55 words that force us to consider our entire being...from society to the individual...those that are willing to listen, are priceless...
Indeed, Brian! Wonderfully descriptive of where many butterflies with broken wings are! Thank you for sharing your composition! Always great to read your words!
Roger ☺
excellent Brian, every bit of it.
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