The Strings of Life

Inspired by a Van Gogh painting

Everyday I walk the same path home from work. I see the same things, hear the same sounds: car alarms; traffic; people talking(on phones and to each other); dogs barking; people yelling. I always see the same old man sitting in the corner outside. I always walked past him but today I stopped. I began to analyze the man. I just watched him as he strummed his guitar. A rusted tin can with a few coins rattling in it lay in front of him. Passing viewers toss a few coins the rusted tin can. I couldn't help but notice the man look frail and seemed sickly. He looked as if he lost everything. I watched as his bony fingers plucked the strings of the guitar making a beautiful sound. While he hummed along. The man had a tear rolling down his cheek, following the bone structure of his face. Every curve and mark defined this man. He was all skin and bones and dressed in a rag. I stood there as the hustle and bustle of people coming home from work, just passed the man. I couldn't help but wonder what this mans story was. How did he end up here? I bet he had a good paying job, a wife and kids, who he considered to be his whole world. They probably lived in a nice house(perfect and cozy for him and his family) a few pets. But then things took a turn for the worst. I couldn't help but think why did I stop.. Why today... I thought about my life and the path I was headed. In a gasp it hit me... That man was me...

Author's Note

ignore grammar problems, and spelling errors. I really appreciate you guys for helping me out :)

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A well written poem. Real life can teach us many things.
" Why today... I thought about my life and the path I was headed. In a gasp it hit me... That man was me..."
I like the flow of thoughts leading to the strong ending. I tell people.Don't rate another life till you walk in their shoes. Thank you for sharing the excellent story.
Coyote

[Gabby Gellerman]

thanks it wasn't really meant as a poem though but I'm glad you liked it an interpreted it in the way you did.. i guess when i was writing in i didn't really realize i was writing a lesson or how you should view others.. but thanks for your review I really appreciate it

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome. Writing take us to places and thoughts. Sometime we can send messages out without knowing.

[just another mac withou..]

Van Gogh can so do that and you were inspired very well!

[JC]

you should be proud that you see things in this way, that you feel for others and that you see we are all the same and it could be any of us there at any point in time... keep observing the world and reporting on it, its our job as writers right?

[Sami Khalil]

An inspired and inspiring story. Choosing our path is essential in reaching certain destinations. Bravo....

[Pryde Foltz]

A really nice job, Gabby.

[Gabby Gellerman]

thanks for reviewing it and love all your poems

[Justin]

it is really great :) :) i like you described everything :)

[Gabby Gellerman]

thanks justin :)

[Justin]

your welcome gabby, it one of your best pieces

[Gabby Gellerman]

thank you and i hope nobody thinks i paid you to say this lol

[Justin]

your welcome, nope u didnt lol

[Gabby Gellerman]

i hope other people read this

[Justin]

they will, i will send reading quest for u

[Gabby Gellerman]

you would do that

[Justin]

yea that is what friends are for

[Gabby Gellerman]

true true..