LymeBlog News Lexington, KY USA By Glenroy Wolfsen, LymeBlog Staff
Second Thoughts is a column on LymeBlog News featuring poetry by Glenroy Wolfsen.
Suddenly I found myself poor at Christmas time.
I was poor from the illness financially, I was poor in relationships - having had my son taken to live with others for his own good, in order to get better care, my wife had died from MS, and a daughter from kidney failure earlier.
I was poor because I was not able to be productive, and I was poor in my own evaluation of myself - I was "nothing" and did nothing.
I was poor socially, because I could not interact with others normally, and their world now seems unreal and far away to me.
These are some of the meaning that come with the word "poverty" when I used it in these poems.
It was Christmas and I could not buy anything for anyone. I felt as if I were letting everyone down.
I could only walk past the windows filled with gifts waiting for shoppers. Then I saw them with different eyes. Who were the shoppers anyway?
Shopping
There had been so much rain The river was raging Cold drizzle and dark sidewalks
Kept people in this Sunday afternoon. Puddles growing in each dip As we walked Looking to step with care
Where the bend curved into town The shops shone with lights - Some for holidays not yet arrived, Some from reflections
Off the shining gifts waiting inside Somehow all seemed reversed, Little figures, black or green or blue, Small faces and eyes Glenroy Wolfsen
Second Thoughts: A column featuring poetry by Glenroy Wolfsen
Glenroy Wolfsen has lived a life filled with pain: of Lyme disease and the illnesses and losses of loved ones. But he has also experienced the profound pleasures of learning, teaching, music and academics.
Raised on a farm, yet schooled in music and religion (Master of Divinity) and with interests in religions, psychology, mind-body healing and Eastern Sacred Texts, Glenroy's spirit shines through in his works of fine poetry and wise prose.
After regaining much of his health, Glenroy remains busy teaching, studying and writing several books: one about his life story, others with poetry. He is pleased to share some of his works with you in an ongoing basis here at Lymeblog.
Looking out of glass windows As if looking for us - The few braving the weather. Their eyes moved as we passed -
They seemed to be doing the shopping, Sizing up our worth To divine our value Wondering if we were for sale.
That same month before Christmas - with no money for a gift for even my own son - I was sad and alone, wondering how this Christmas was going to shame me before my family.
One day watching all the people bustling about carrying gifts to give to their loved ones, I accepted my fate and found a gift I didn't expect.
The Shoppers
A new feeling To ponder Amid shoppers I pass, Each with something
Bought. But I have received The gift of poverty
To disarm my pride And make me Find for others Something that I Cannot buy.
[ 16. December 2007, 07:11 PM: Message edited by: kam ]
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