UNSUSPECTING MAN...

                                               Unsuspecting Man...








The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read 
Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree. 
Disillusioned by life, with good reason to frown, 
Since the world was intent on dragging me down. 

And if that weren't bad enough to ruin my day, 
A young boy out of breath approached, from his play. 
He stood right before me with, his head tilted down 
And said with excitement: "Look here what I found!" 

In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight, 
With its petals all worn, without rain and no light. 
Wanting him to take off dead flower and go play, 
I faked a small smile and then, shifted away. 

But instead of retreating he sat next to my side 
placing the flower to his nose, overacted surprise, 
"It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too. 
That's why I picked it; and here, it's for you." 

The weed before me was dying or dead. 
Not vibrant colors, orange, yellow or red. 
But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave. 
I reached for the flower, and replied, "Just what I need." 

But instead of him placing the flower in my hand, 
He held it mid-air without reason or plan. 
It was then that I noticed for the very first time 
That weed-toting boy could not see: he was blind. 

I heard my voice quiver, tears shone like the sun 
As I thanked him for picking the very best one. 
You're welcome," he smiled, and then ran to play, 
Unaware of the impact he'd had done on my day. 

I sat there and wondered how he managed to see 
A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree. 
How did he know of my self-indulged plight? 
Perhaps from his heart, he'd been blessed with true sight. 

Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see 
The problem was not the world; the problem was me. 
And for all of those times I myself had been blind, 
I'd see beauty in life, thanking every second that's mine. 

And then I held up that wilted flower to my nose 
And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose 
And smiled as I watched that boy, weed in hand 
About to change the life of an unsuspecting man.






Copyright 1/2018 Eugene Colin