Like Sheep They Follow

(Human behaviour)

Outside a station

a young man, slightly dishevelled

with a white placard hanging from his chest,

stands out from the rest.

Free hugs his words state,

I wait to see who will take up his offer.

No one stops, they all scurry by,

heads buried in phones,

in a hurry to get to work.

A crying shame I thought,

his an act of humanity.

I step forward for a warm embrace

and soon there is a queue,

how true, people follow like sheep,

I turn away from the crowd and smile.

Reviews

[Stella Armour]

Lead by example they say, but was he a pickpocket i would be thinking lol..

Might buy him a sandwich instead :)

[Chris Shaw]

Soft you are Stella like me. Still thinking of his welfare :)

Chris

[Stella Armour]

can't be too careful these days Chris lol..

[Einstein Noodle]

that's a very interesting scene Christine ... i remember reading about a guy in NY, i believe, that did that ... honestly ... i don't think i would do it myself ... so very dangerous in my opinion .. but i admire the intent and the social commentary ... its a sad and true case .. especially in larger populated areas ... i read (somewhere a while back) that the coldness one sees and feels from those populated areas is related to the emotional exhaustion it is for us to react to everyone we pas by and/or meet during the course of just one day ... kind of like teachers that leave it all in the classroom and go home with nothing left to give to the family ... kind of makes me think how much humanity needs spiritual assistance to achieve such widespread, sustainable warmth and affection ;)
strong voice my friend ... sharp commentary!
E.
ps. not to forget the added subtlety in the title and closing ... i think that really sinks the barb deep :) makes me remember the book "A Nation of Sheep" by William Lederer ...i read it back in the 60's :))) (i love being old)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Mr E for your interesting input. I love to hear your views. As a Mum and a Nan I am a sucker if I think a young person is in need of emotional support. He was offering, but I felt it was him who was needy. It was after the event that the thought about sheep came to mind. No one wants to be the first to do something :) Hope all is good in your world.

Chris

[Sawdust]

seriously genius observation.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you shadow for your visit. Good to see you.

Chris

[Anjeline]

How wonderful dear Chris ! You have not only penned down beautifully the nature of humans but also showed another way of looking at this attitude ( following others blindly) . I really loved it :)

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Anjeline, human behaviour fascinates me at times. You can learn much by observing people. Thank you and all good wishes.

Chris

[Anjeline]

You're welcome 😊

[Lorry]

People never want to be first to do anything new, but will kick an aged nun out the way to be second, once yhey see its not a trap.
Back in Glasgow I used to see this a lot, especially of the muslim community, to remind us that muslim is a religion and not anything to do with those who terrorise under its flag. But black, brown, white, blue or green, anyone willing to do this blindly, in an act of human kindness, deserves all the hugs they get and should be applauded for still having faith in the likes of us.
Right Chris, its been four days, you can let go now :)

[Chris Shaw]

Shucks, I've been found out. So desperate for a hug lol. I do like your humour Lorry. Your responses are always funny.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

this reminds me of when i was in grade school and then high school and went to dances, or parties with dancing...
None of the guys would dare go to the floor...they all waited for me to be the first one....and i always was...
it also reminds me of my classes..when they have an in-class assignment and can leave when they are finished...no one wants to be the first to hand it in and leave...but then once someone finds the courage, about 4 or 5 get up with that student.
:)
yes, we follow like sheep...i like your expressive way with words and phrases. There is wisdom in your poems..always.

j.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jacob. We do act like sheep, and it is so funny to watch at times. I always appreciate your comments. Always welcome.

Chris

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Sadly people do get so caught up in this face paced electronic world the human connection is like a dinosaur

[Chris Shaw]

More and more of it these days. People are not engaging with each other. It's sad. Thank you Cowboy. Pleased for your visit.

Chris

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A lovely observational human story Chris. And tis so true as people scurry in tight circles of life and pay little attention to the world around them other that that portrayed on the internet.

[Chris Shaw]

You can learn much by looking at people John. Always fascinates me. Stations, shops and cafes. Thank you for your visit. Much appreciated.

Chris