Incognito

"It's only by forgetting yourself that you draw near to God." - Thoreau

This afternoon, I went for a walk down by the water.

It was a glorious day.

The sun was shining brighter than the Hope Diamond.

The sky was a deep indigo blue like a new pair of Levi's.

On the way home, I passed by the city's renowned drunk.

He's been homeless for years and wanders the streets, sleeping anywhere and everywhere.

He used to play football many years ago.

He smiled at me as wide as the Grand Canyon.

More teeth AWOL than present and accounted for.

Not a care in the world.

He's very loveable but can get angry when things seemingly don't go his way.

"Hey Clarence", I said, "What's up?"

He smiled and laughed.

Mumbling something about Tom Brady and 'The New England Patriots'.

He took a couple of wobbly steps backward and then continued down the sidewalk, one 'Super Bowl Shuffle' at a time.

No doubt on his way to construct today's sunset.

His unconditional joy and brimming smile was infectious.

I smiled and chuckled to myself.

Heaven overrules Hell with an undeniable veto.

As I turned to finish my trek home, I couldn't help but think,

I'd just seen God ...

... incognito ...

Author's Note

"Others - as most legislators, politicians, lawyers, ministers, and office-holders - serve the state chiefly with their heads; and, as they rarely make any moral distinctions, they are as likely to serve the devil, without intending it, as God. A very few - as heroes, patriots, martyrs, reformers in the great sense, and men - serve the state with their consciences also, and so necessarily resist it for the most part." - Thoreau

Reviews

[barleygirl]

This seems to be a big departure from the style I am mostly used to reading from you! Usually your writing makes a more serious point in a complex way, but this time it's a feel-good ditty without so many layers of thought-provoking possibilities. It seems unusual for you to use everyday popular culture references in your writing, another thing that kinda snapped my head around as I read! *smile* I hope your holiday season is unfolding with much love & joy (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Pete]

true story but sometimes we have to change things up a little. just keeping you on your toes so you don't get too comfortable. thank you Margie. best wishes for the new year ... :)

[NotUsinganymore]

Very nice. This prom had s good meaning. Sometimes it’s best to smile and laugh at the smallest things.

[Pete]

yes. always better to laugh than cry. thank you JungLee! ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Those who have nothing appreciate the smallest of things. Sunshine, a warm blanket, a bowl of soup, clean water. There is something very Godly about that. I understood the message in your wonderful poem Pete. All good wishes.

Chris

[Pete]

thanks for "getting it" Chris. blessings for the new year my friend from across the pond ... :)

[Chris Shaw]

Same to you. All the best for 2019.

[Einstein Noodle]

well done ..hooked and carried the whole way through ...inspiring moral lessons ... loved the similes .. and the cliche' ...for me it all works for a human story well told ...g'day to ya mate!
E.

[Pete]

thanks E. can't make this up - truth is stranger than fiction. so glad it grabbed you. happy holidays friend. peace and blessings for the new year ... :)

[Einstein Noodle]

the scene reminds me of people i met in my hitch hiking days ... ;)