One Man's Secret

I knew a man,

who appeared disheveled and broken

although he wasnt broken, not just yet

His eyes were kind

Their blue held tears of joy and suffering

and wherever he looked, he Saw

his hands were rough and calloused with years

their intricate maps leading to the same destination

and whatever he touched, he Felt

the chaotic white wisps leaving his head seemed to float

like his soul was trying to leave onto something better...

like there must be something more

 

On the mornings he would lead a blood soaked platoon into battle

Never knowing which day would be his last

victorious he'd turn on the news

but his tears would still flow

because he never forgot how to feel

 

He'd armor up once more

and head out into the day

with his books and folding table

this is how he ate

and this is how i came to meet the strongest man I've ever known

 

As I passed by I felt immediately drawn

so I came closer and listened

and as he spoke his words danced into the sky

he spoke of moments

moments when he thought things might get better

like when the sun was shining on him

warming his skin

and the trees and grass shared with him their exquisite green

and the wind blew on his back

pushing him one step further

And then he began to smile

this beauty has no place in words

but the power that emanated from him transcended any natural means

its radiance was so breathtaking

it held such strength

it made me believe.

Reviews

[...]

. a truly remarkable piece of writing ...
. the last stanza is particularly magical ...

[Neva Flores Smith - Cha..]

If this man exists he must have a brave heart of gold and a smile that would warm any soul. This is a deeply touching piece and I was praying as I read that I would see an author's note stating it was about the poet's father. Wonderfully penned.