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

[john alan willox]

sometimes the best we do is for no reward - the best we do being the reward - humanity survives and kindness to strangers is not an after thought - it's a conclusion - nice work Tate - thanks.

[Tate Morgan]

Kindness is its own reward in the heart of the donor grows a love of others.

[Coyote Poetry]

A very good story. Good to give without the desire of return. Today people are scare to receive help. World is hard. We need to help if we can. I like the description of location, woman and sharing a meal with someone in need. Thank you for sharing the excellent story.
Coyote

[Tate Morgan]

Coyote Thank you .I have always been taught that a man is morally bound to assist those in distress.However who needs the moral boundaries to tell them what they should already know. You see a need and you fill it if you can

[JulieMorgan]

Another enjoyable read Mr. Morgan. You paint pictures with your words!

[Tate Morgan]

julie thank you i just told the story as it worked out im glad you liked it

[Angelique]

Now that I've wiped away the tears, I can thank you for sharing this beautiful poem.

[Tate Morgan]

Angelique Thank you so much .i dont intend to make people cry.However tears of joy are always welcome as are you.

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

The raptured elegance of syphoned truth relates well to the prosed wording and descriptive nature of your work my darling, well done, good read.

[Tate Morgan]

Thomas my friend so nice to see you. Thank you friend

[Thomas Fitzgerald]

Your welcome my love.

[Adam Lebzo -RonninWarri..]

sentimental and enjoyable as usual, Tate
great one

[Tate Morgan]

Adam so nice of you to drop By and thank you for the comment

[OBWhiteHawk]

Really good. I have seen that photo before but it really matched with this poem and with the story behind it. You were a good person to help them out like you did.

[Tate Morgan]

OB Thank you such a little thing to do but a great help

[Valentine]

Wonderful write, I think the more we do for others, the better we feel inside..as seeing the thankfulness on their faces brightens our own souls..Kathie

[Tate Morgan]

thanks kathy I am sure they are in a better place married s
lying on the beach

[Pete Langley]

It`s amazing how disproportionate the benefit for a good turn can be....for both the recipient and the giver. You`d no way of knowing just how much good you did that family, Tate. I`m sure it far outlived your time with them....and it must have made you feel uplifted. A smashing poem, mate. P.

[Tate Morgan]

I'm sure it was a great benefit. However I can't say it was all selfless as I found kindness to be it's own reward. I was left feeling very happy over this incident.

[Kaa Na Kalyanasundaram]

Great...Great...Great...no more words from me. Helping hand always blessed by the God. Let u continue your service. Good.

[Tate Morgan]

kaa na hi friend so nice to hear from you