Where is my humanity?
A big man, Indigenous
With wilderness in his mind
Coffee freely offered
Brings an offering of gratitude
Passersby engage or shun
Gaining momentum
Fearful of the irregular actions of
A big man, Indigenous
A hearse passes
The line of cars streaming behind
A big man, Indigenous
Stands, crosses himself, bows his head
A young Black man stops, shakes hands
Says good morning
A big man, Indigenous
I will offer a bite to eat as I leave
The police chief visits
A big man, Indigenous
No move along, no aggression
Equals in their place
He walks, not well, right knee seized
A little wildness in his gait
A big man, Indigenous
Shakes his head, steps a fancy dance
Away across the street
A big man, Indigenous
Follows his morning agenda
I slink out the back door
Good intention devoid of action
A very bold, creative, and personal poem.
Thank you, Bob. I question my humanity more deeply every day.
I love the view from you.
❤️
Inaction can seize the heart as it does the old man’s knee. Your heart hasn’t forgotten to suffer for it. Perhaps your humanity more fully lives there than in action offered in that moment. You’ve sent our own hearts into your indelible experience of him. Thank you. He is a gift.
Thank you, Linda. You are a gift.