That Moment

Standing there surrounded by jackals
I look up into the one friendly face
And smile, though I have tears in my eyes.

He smiles gently back, uncertain what is happening,
And with my smile he seems reassured and returns to his work.

The jackals close tighter about me
demanding their remains.
Unable to produce them, having never had them,
I leave them unsatisfied in their defiance.

Heading for the door, feeling them lagging behind.
I feel a great weight lift from my shoulders.
Regret seeps from my eyes, leaving those who knew I cared behind.
But realizing it was a position unsustainable for me.

And that smile from him remains fixed in my memory.
Knowing he knew nothing of their ploys and plans
Knowing the work I did, the care I gave was seen,
Was appreciated by one who matters.

The jackals continue their work
Keep the wheels turning
Only they are missing that single component
That represents what they claim to be about.

Compassion for their fellow humans.

Author's Note

It takes only a moment to change the course of one's life.
How we look forward, rather than back, determines our destiny.
Feb 16

Reviews

[Laughing-Bear]

My Dear Writing Friend Judy,
Your best poem yet! You’ve painted a word picture so loud that it screams. Only those whom choose deafness would miss this poems point as your write reverberates with the truth about those lacking compassion for their fellow man. I always wonder how will the jackals fair when they some day become the ones needing help.

Blessings, Laughing-Bear

[Audrey Howitt]

You seem so clear about the turning point in this poem Judy. The poem for me is more about your turning point than it is about the jackals--jackals will always be there--it is what we choose to do and be in the face of that that is so important. Beautifully written!

[FJ Davis]

A noble profession being sullied by posers and flesh robots. Your presence in their midst, Judy, simply exposed them for what they are--they actually hated you for your goodness!
Writers are constantly being advised to write about what they know. And that, I believe, is the explanation for this poem's stunning impact.
Sadly, Nurse Judy knows exactly what she's talking about.
We would do well to start listening.
Thank you, Judy, for the truth--harsh though it may be.

[Muse]

There's a hidden message here and It intrigues me to want to know you better. What happened and what provided your inspiration for this poem? This was a very nice piece of writing Judy. Muse

[John Jackson (El Juero)]

Beautiful writing. Compassion seems to be in short supply when there is a buck to be made. Thank you for an excellent poem.

[Neva Flores Smith - Cha..]

I call this the wolves waiting to attack the one they see as the weakest. I have seen the smile of the jackals myself when they think I have been kicked. What matters the most is what we see when we look inside our hearts and whether we can still face our own eyes in the mirror. I was deeply touched by this one Judy.

[fatalsymphonies]

I like it! The message is wonderful and the way you've written this renders emotion and perfect clarity of a flow. Wow, this is amazing. My favorite line? "I look up into the one friendly face And smile, though I have tears in my eyes." wonderful!!!