My Dusty Soul

Their mother dreamed of better things for her little girls in this life She wanted more, than to be poor as an abusers little wife

I traveled west to the sunset

where the desert begins to roast

the heat baked down, on every town

across the plain onto the coast

I came upon an old Buick

a woman two children in curls

Their dreams stranded, their car branded

a look of sorrow on the girls

 

I pulled my pickup in behind

walked to the window said "hello"

Offered a ride, "its cool inside

come with me and we'll find a tow"

At first they wouldn't come along

choosing instead to stay and bake

"We'll have to stay, cause I can't pay

I think this trip was a mistake"

 

 

The girls were all of ten years old

their pain had tested their belief

Innocent pawns, of sun-baked bronze

whose pleading eyes begged for relief

I saw in them the Grapes of Wrath

headed west on little money

relief from strife, a better life

in the land of milk and honey

 

I took them ten miles down the road

an oasis like a mirage

A bit of luck, found a tow truck

had the car towed to the garage

We shared a lunch that afternoon

their radiator was repaired

I'd eased their trials, restored their smiles

it felt good to know I had cared.

 

Their mother dreamed of better things

for her little girls in this life

She wanted more, than to live poor

as an abusers little wife

 I never gave the girl my name

fighting against my vanity

Theirs was a goal, that saved my soul

sharing with them humanity

Author's Note

It was 1998. I was crossing the western dessert to the coast. I remember this woman and her two little girls. How scared they were to be on the road alone and broke down. The sun was so relentless that day. I was on a trip to southern California to deliver a box to the docks. I had a hard time convincing them to go with me. I paid the mechanic to fix the car and gave the woman money for gas. The little girls so like my own. The mechanic brought their car around. The girls were drinking pop on the bench outside the diner, awash in smiles as I drove off toward the setting sun. I know they thought that I had been a godsend. What they didn't know was that they had given me much more than I did them. I found my thoughts drifting back to my own children and thinking of how blessed I was.

Reviews

[Fabian G. Franklin]

I liked this. We just never know when or where we are going to need a helping hand so it's always good to lend one when we can. These days folks are just as scared someone trying to help might be a mass murdering lunatic. When I was a kid I remember waving at complete strangers driving down the road and they waved back. We left our doors unlocked at night and kids could go out walking alone without fear. The world gets a little crazier every day I think. Great piece here Tate.

[Tate Morgan]

Fabian always a treasure to see you here. You lend a lot of class to this place. I know the world has changed. However I refuse to go through life afraid. thank you

[Magnolia]

A very moving account of the Good Samaritan. We give and hopefully one day the same will be returned to us if needed. Very inspirational writing and many congratulations...Maggie

[Tate Morgan]

Hi mags Nice to hear from you .Sorry i havent been on much if any for a few days

[Stella Armour]

congratulations ... on this poem winning you a place in the "Spiritual Poems "contest Tate

[Tate Morgan]

Thanks ill be back in a bit off to dentist

[Stella Armour]

Ouch!.....................

[Tate Morgan]

yeah the dentist is always fun lol

[Stella Armour]

lol..... not my favourite person

[Cree Nations]

It is a hard world, and to some it stays that way. This is a great tribute Tate to the Mother and her children. I wonder though if she remembers you as you do her.

Excellent read.

[TrimarcoRansome]

The Good Samaritan, those little girls will always remember your kindness and take it with them to the rest of their lives

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you I often wonder if they are sitting on a beach in California thinking of me as i do them.

[Jadey]

A wonderful poem always tate! :) Inspiring in so many ways!

I miss reading your works!

[Tate Morgan]

Hi jaded I miss hearing from you . All my works are from real life . So I am making new memories at mye beach this week. The fireworks on the bra h lasted for three hrs last night it was beautiful

[Jadey]

I know~'& I miss reading, i thought i lost this account but now I will start reading from where i left of..

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you veryuch

[Akashi]

Very beautiful, very beautiful. You have done it again!

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you very much

[A Jainam Mehta]

Tate, often It feels good after helping someone & serving humanity by our little effort calms our insides. Its a well versed poem.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you I am not online much at the moment will be back soon though

[Lena M. P.]

Beautiful story and poem Tate. Paying forward always feels the best. There is no reason to do so but we know in our hearts its the right thing. Those are the moments and people in our lives that stay and paint a piece of our life's tapestry.

[Tate Morgan]

than you it was joy really i felt more like a man that day than i had in some time

[L.Edward]

Vivid and compelling portrait. And a pat on the back for a deed well done!

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you It was a pleasure so far from home

[L.Edward]

Your welcome. I'm looking forward to reading more of your stuff!

[Tate Morgan]

thank you I finally wrote a new piece a few days ago the first in a month and a half this

[David Scott]

You penned a fine story of human kindness in a poetic gift wrapped as only you know how Tate.
I enjoyed this write. We find our greatest joy when we can help another who is in no position to do us a favor in return. These are the acts of true "Charity" we call love.

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you David So nice that you liked this i often wonder if they arent living in the land of milk and laying on a beach every day .i hope they think of me that day on occasion.