Naked?

Never let a friend stand alone... In response to Frieda's Dread of Night

 

 

 

Naked?

 

On an island

in the midst of the crowded street

Traffic lights blink

as colored tear drops hit the pavement

 

One way signs

all seem to point in your direction

casting aspersions,

via black and white arrows

 

Sidewalks filled

with throngs of gawking onlookers,

mouths wide open,

peering from the side of their faces

 

You hang your head,

chin against your unclothed chest

and you see

not one, but two shadows on the asphalt

 

Suddenly you are

draped in the finest cloth money can buy,

shielded from the audience

who now divert their attention elsewhere

 

Turning, you see a friend,

naked, as his clothing now adorns your body

waving to the crowd

proclaiming…I have faced the same fate

Author's Note

Thank you for reading

Reviews

[OTownPete]

I'm sure there is a moral in there somewhere Jack. Your frien din words, Pete

[Jack...]

Somewhere Pete. Thanks so much my friend.

[Dr. Wood ?]

oh yes.....They say that the way to overcome stage fright is to imagine the audience naked...I sometimes stand up there and wonder if THAT is not what they are doing with ME

[Jack...]

I know I do everytome I read one of your poems Doc. Wait, did I say that outloud? Thanks so much my friend.

[Dr. Wood ?]

BLOODY HELL.....I almost believed you

[Girl Friday (Sarah W.)]

What a great way to describe this...metaphorically, this was outstanding, Jack. I think that if more people were like this, the world would be a much better place. Commiseration, understanding, compassion, and above all listening and sharing experiences can mean the difference between someone feeling alone and someone beginning the process of healing. Great work.

[Jack...]

Yes, but infortunately it seems there are not more people like this, at least as far as what is broadcast 24/7 to us, but I truly believe there are more than we think. Thank you so much my friend. As always, I smile when you visit.

[annie lee]

What a poignant description of those awful feelings. Exposed to unsympathetic and gawking strangers, vulnerable in deep ways: a friendly hand to grasp and a friendly face to exchange smiles with are the greatest soothers. I've been there. I have artificial knee joints which precludes me from putting weight on my kneecaps. And I do, more than I wish to contemplate, fall. When that happens, I am at the mercy of the gods. I have fallen in public places and been regarded as a freakish show because of it. no fun.

[Jack...]

I am sorry to hear about that and I will never understand the gawkers, when someone is in distress, you help, not hinder. Each and everyone of us can be in these same predicaments, including the gawkers. Let's hope when it happens to them someone will help as well. thank you so very much Annie for your kind review of my work.

[Emerald Seas]

Nicely put! Of course, it totally sucks when you look for a friend to be near during a bad time and realize they decided to do a mad dash in any other direction but the one you need to travel. Life lesson!
Never let a friend stand alone... I try, but I'm definitely hesitant on who I expect to really care about me from here on out!

[Jack...]

Well I care about you my friend. Thank you so much Sera for your always taking the time to read and comment on my work.

[Rita L. Sev]

You have created the ultimate hero, Jack - one who will make himself vulnerable for the sake of a friend... The picture reminds me a little of "Where the Wild Things Are", though in that story the beasts were benign...

[Jack...]

Thanks so very much Rita. This is who I try to be. I appreciate your kind words to me.

[Frieda P]

Oh that picture freaks me out Jack. It's always easier, well perhaps not easier, but maybe we don't feel as freakish or alone when someone can relate to our words and/or what happened to us, it's not so tough when you're not the only naked one out there stripped to your soul....I wish I had the words, but you know what I feel to my core and in my very bones, thank you for sharing this my dear friend.

[Jack...]

This is life, and life is difficult. There are monsters everywhere. This is a rule I try to live by, though I am not always successful, I try. Friendship is very important to me and I cherish my friends and will do whatever it takes to make them feel safe. Thank you so much my sweet friend. my sword is raised, ready to slay these monsters.

[Frieda P]

You've always been a good friend from the very start Jack, I appreciate your kindness more than you'll ever know.