It seemed like only yesterday

An old man passed me in the high street,

he was uneven in both gait and expression.

I gazed steadfastly at the dress in the window,

guiltily unwilling to add a further burden

to an already overburdened there and now.

The price to pay seemed reasonable,

and I thought that perhaps some childish

hour had come again; a young girl poised

on the cusp; but I could sense a hesitation

behind me as desire vied with compassion.

It darkened then, a typically November 

caprice, and instantly the price tag became
as though it had no principle at all. 

So I turned, but just a little too late;

He was gone, leaving an imprint that 

will remain as indelible as his winter. 

Reviews

[wordman]

if we all lived by these standards it would be a better world

[Chris Shaw]

Your hesitancy, as desire vied with passion. The thought was there, and that counts for much in my book. Your final two lines brilliant expression. I was so pleased to read this lovely poem. Thank you.

[Samuel Dickens]

We make thousands of small decisions every day, so there's bound to be a few that we're not happy with. Many are unlikely to put the needs of another before their own desires, so just the thought of doing so shows that the narrator has a heart. As in CD Campbell's review, I often regret passing by an opportunity to put a little money in an outstretched hand. If the traffic light gives me time, I usually do give. In your excellent poem, a moment of internal struggle thwarts generosity. Life should be easier.

[Unspoken poet]

It darkened then, a typically November
caprice, and instantly the price tag became
as though it had no principle at all.

I totally loved this part. Kind of an emotional read, enjoyed reading this.

[roarke]

Ah, November Caprice.. the first stanza is stand-alone, sets everything up perfectly. A fine original reflection of how time, life, does pass as capriciously as the seasons. Very good write.

[KCthelastboyscout]

All we have are moments and they are fleeting.generosity overcomes temptation
But too late. Enjoyable to read. Well written

[barleygirl]

WOW! This is very powerful. I had to read it twice to get the full impact. I very much admire the way you juxtapose the ideas of looking beyond some present humanity & being engrossed in superficiality -- a universal struggle painted into everyday terms. Your details are well-selected to convey this thought-provoking message (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[emmajoy]

Age doth not withereth us.. it enhances even when thoughtfully innocent, giving, sharing. Beccy, your words are shared, the moral is filtering our thoughts, your words are more than.. .. .. insert your own secret beautiful word. Thank you, sweet friend.

[Jimmy Yetts]

Only a great soul could have written this; only the pure of heart possess such insight.
An admirable creation!

[Ken Simm.]

A moment from living perfectly in memory and wonderfully brought into the light with all its concomitant emotions and experiences.