Walkabout

Blessed are the strong...for they shall feed the masses.

he was a man
nothing special
at first glance

but

those who lingered,
listened
heard the echo
from the deep well
of compassion

they felt the warmth
of his invincible summer

he simply spoke
his truth
and wondered

why

he would be
followed

how

they got spirit
from his quiet words

where

his journey would
take him

when
it would end

any writer worth their salt
would ask the same

fellow travelers
as lost as he
were asking for
his waystations

he beseeched them
to find their own path
his way was not theirs

show us what is in your heart
they begged

i can only speak
of what I have done
the mistakes made
the lessons learned
the changes that came
the life examined

not enough! they shouted
mistakes hurt
spare us our pain
lessons are hard
teach us gently
change is difficult
make the changes in us
we don't want to look
read us and explain

i cannot walk
your paths for you
what you ask
i cannot give

so they fell upon him
screaming
we shall see for ourselves
what is in your heart
and rent his chest open
to find a human heart
like any other
beating its last

with his last breath
he spoke through smiling lips

"Did you never hear
of the goose and
golden eggs?"

Reviews

[...]

. i am ecstatic to see this masterpiece in WC, monsieur joel ... i cannot begin to tell you how much i admire the character you've etched ... and the million insights into human psychology that i derive from this telling tale ... sometimes poetry gives us life ... it empowers us ... it takes us to a higher consciousness ... the skill, sensitivity, and precision with which you've narrated this piece is awe-inspiring ... it's always a privilege to read you ... but sometimes ... such as now ... it's a super special privilege to read you ... thank you for writing this much-needed tale about learning and humanity ... and about learning humanity ... the rest mr. davis has already said :P ...

[FJ Davis]

Many a golden goose has been tragically slain--as much out of malignant jealousy as uninhibited, overwhelming need.
"Walkabout" is a profoundly wise poetic tale; ultimately, inspiring and triumphant--despite the shameful actions of a mindless mob.
The teacher died devoid of hatred; speaking ironic humor--with his dying breath--to instruct his lessers.
A heroic figure for the children's children of his murderers to aspire to.