Friday, June 13, 2014

cheerleading linnets.......



As I made my way around the indoor track this morning,I noticed an older man with a cane, over to the right .He had skin the color of a hazelnut, white tuft on his head and the brightest eyes that didn't need his mouth to smile.After he walked around, he would sit on the narrow window ledge, resting.As I went by , he would say "good,good,good,"and cast a smile my way. So encouraging, his presence.

 I thought of this because the other day I received an e-mail from the only person who notices when I am not writing.This friend from years ago Long Island summers is my most faithful reader and encourager. A few days after he and his family moved in across the street in 1953, my mother dragged us, father, sister and I , over to welcome them to the neighborhood.It was a bright June evening, the maples had filled out and the waning sun had been good to us that day.I was ten and my friend was 12 and I am sure that both being shy, no words passed between us. Who would have guessed that sixty, yes that long , years later we would be friends and good ones.For my part, I can hardly picture not getting his e-mails and sharing thoughts with him.

  I think that he is my number one cheerleader, keeping me writing which gives me untold pleasure.
Isn't that what we are all here for? Isn't that our vocations as humans? Clapping, smiling, praising,

 In a few days, I will be standing at the grave site of William Wordsworth,the English poet.What words he uses to praise the common linnet, a bird endangered now in Britain.

......"Hail to thee far above the rest in joy and pinion!Thou,Linnet! in green array, Presiding Spirit here today,Dost lead the revels of the May:and this is thy dominion".....

  Hail to all for encouraging words to those they pass in stride....hail to you bent, aged one who kept these feet amoving...hail to you, oh, steadfast friend, whose words brought pen to hand .......

1 comment:

kris spikes said...

He's not the only one who notices when you aren't writing Mrs. G. :)