Ho Ho Huh?

Tonight was Christmas Eve.  It was mild and the day's rain had long since stopped, leaving a dampness over the evening.  After Church, I took a walk in the park down by the waterfront.  There is an area that is unlit and thus very dark. A cement wall with a fence guards the water.  As I was walking passed it, I was surprised to see the silhouette of someone sitting there.  There was a bicycle leaning against the wall and beer bottles strewn on the ground.

We were both startled and neither of us knew what to say.  At first there was an uncomfortable silence.  Then I said, "Hi, how are you?"  A man reluctantly said, "Hi" back.  Then uncomfortable silence again.  We exchanged no other words.  I stood still in my spot, gazing at a few city lights reflecting on the water.  The man continued sitting while drinking from a bottle and didn't move either.  Both of us quiet.

Sometimes silence can be deafening.  After a brief time, I turned away to continue my walk.  There was no need to say anything else.  The scene spoke for itself.  "Merry Christmas, man in the dark."  Tomorrow we both have something to look forward to.  It's the birthday of someone special who knows us both.  The question is, do we know him?  And to all a good night ...

Reviews

[Kathy Van Kurin]

'Ho Ho Huh?'
Pete,
This was very meaningful. On a special time like Christmas there is a great amount to think about. Your time of walking, pondering and then the awareness of another whom God has placed within your path...
What may God be telling you? I loved this piece of writing for it says for more than mere words. Really good.
Blessings,
Kathy

[Pete]

great thoughts Kathy. perhaps this chance encounter had a higher purpose. thank you ... :)

[Great Aunt Astri]

YOu write very succinctly about this sad subject.
Sometimes silence speaks for itself.

[Pete]

relating a brief description of a real occurrence to try and capture the feel.

[Great Aunt Astri]

Good for you. I find my inspiration for a poem very often from real life. I look forward to reading more of yours.

[Pete]

thank you. as do i. i will be round to read more of yours. best regards.

[Diamond]

"The question is, do we know him?"...Superb Pete....I must tell you that this is how I would speak to people since my childhood and leave them with a grin on their face...I often felt so misunderstood. But it is only after coming to WC I realized that I am not alone in that. And I appreciate your enthusiasm to make a difference to the world. I read your comments again :)

[Pete]

you have no idea how happy it makes me for you to say that. i was raised in faith but when things got tough in my life i really clung to it and it has gotten me through so much. my faith has been getting much stronger and is now quite firm whereas i used to waver somewhat. there is still some work to be done to smooth out the rough edges in my character but i know where my bread is buttered and i'll stick with him. i've experienced 'the truth' many times in my life and it is now undeniable for me. :)

[Diamond]

I so understand what you are saying and I am glad that what I said made you happy. :)

[Tina Kline]

A very powerful and moving poem, emotional. Good question is asked at the end. How many can say yes and believe it, how many say yes and not believe it. How many say no? Yes, Merry Christmas, why are we celebrating this day for?

A very extraordinary write.

[Pete]

thanks Tina. great and true commentary.

[Tina Kline]

You're so welcome.

[Moonie]

Very vivid picture painted indeed. And I like how you ended it! They seem so different, yet the faith that they share connects them...

[Pete]

we are all connected in this thing called life whether we acknowledge or not. happy new year Mfd ..

[Tony Jordan]

No words were needed in this meeting of minds Peter - that much is clear. The shared humanity came to the fore and clearly an understanding was reached - that meant both were open and allowed the other 'in' for that moment in time.
You painted such a vivid picture here. Well done. Happy New Year my friend.

[Pete]

thank you Tony. i couldn't have explained it better myself. happy new year dear sir - may health and happiness be yours.

[Pete]

i was re-reading your comment. there is so much wisdom in what you wrote - 'shared humanity, understanding reached, open & allowing others in' - imagine the world if we could do that ...

[Tony Jordan]

I imagine it all the time Pete for I am fortunate enough to have many friends - each of them introverted souls coincidentally enough - who do good for others to their own detriment in cases.
They inspire me to be like them but I always fall short.
One guy gave a whole month's wages to a Phillipino family in dire need!

They are out there Pete. Like your good self I very much suspect, part of the less seen, less vocal minority.
You flatter me sir. God Bless.