My contribution for
http://rochellewisofffields.wordpress.com
Ben is his name that’s what he’s called …elderly but still an ‘air’…his head held high with dignity he walks around his town …where children mock and point at pants that bear large holes and worn red cardigan …a cane that he depends upon… that enables him to walk without the limp from hip and body …that has let him down… Ben how is the life …where you live… all alone behind picket fence …where the roof is in such disrepair…tell me truly are you scared? What dreams do you hold onto …what creature comforts are there inside… this house that you live in …that we all deem unfit …not safe for any visitors or a human to inhabit… you fought for us in the war… lost your wife some years ago …do you sit inside alone in thought… and dream the time when you were young…are you happy behind the vines that grow…and care not what they think…your life was spent in happiness…with your Margaret by you side…have you ceased to now let others care…like the house you feel you’ve died… do not let others judge you… this is your family home I know… I only wish to visit you… show I care and …say hello
The story reaches deeper and deeper…very touching
Hello again…I swear sometimes I don’t know where my head takes me… at first I started with vampires and it didn’t ring true for me…then this emerged…I thank you.
I love this so much. xxx
I am delighted that you do my sweet – thank you xxx
i really like this.. great writing.. it’s true that as one reads on the story becomes deeper..
Thank you kz very much 🙂
A though-provoking piece, nicely done. I’d try to put a word in between ‘air’ and ‘head’ in the first line – a possible different interpretation de-railed me just as I was getting started. How you got from vampires to this I can’t imagine, but I’m glad you did. Very nice piece. 🙂
Hi Sandra I see what you mean I have added ‘his’ (it was late when I wrote) 😦 Thank you for your comments too, maybe the vampire one is in me tonight…I shall have to see when I start 🙂
Interesting piece very poetic.
Thank you for commenting – appreciate your visit and your thoughts.
Such a rich description of the proud man as he faces his declining body. He wants to remain relevant. Nice descriptions.
Joe – I appreciated you kind words, I have a propensity to write about the aged for I feel they do need to be heard, to maintain their dignity and be kept from cruelty of words or actions. Thank you.
A thoughtful look into the life of someone we may ignore (at best) or mock (or worse.) If more os us would realize that these “old people” are still people, even though their bodies and sometimes minds don’t function as they used to do and would, without condescension, talk and be friends with them, we’d all be richer.
janet
Thank you Janet very much. I think as my parents are both in the mid 80’s now I draw on what I see happening in their lives. Appreciate your visit and comments.
Brilliant writing! Very touching.
Thank you Bo.
I like how this draws you in. Because in the end, who we are inside is all that we will have left when the outside is ‘gone’.
Iris – thank you for visiting also, your words ring so true, so beautifully said.
I love it! All this from a picture! You are so talented! Hugs xxxxxx
Shoosh lady 😉 but thank you xxooxx
I must agree with Paula!! You have the most vivid imagination! combine this with beautiful writing and you have a winner!! xxx
Hello! Bless your cotton socks for saying that – thank you angel 🙂 xxx
Dear Rambly,
So many stories locked inside those of advanced age. If only we took the time to stop and listen. Thanks for sharing this.
Shalom,
Rochelle
and I thank you for reading Rochelle and making it possible to try and bring out more of us.
So touching and heart warming. I loved it..
Thank you so much vixen, for firstly visiting and commenting – appreciated.
Pleasure..x
Wonderful post, Ramblings!
I thank you my lovely 🙂 xx
it makes me want to organize a group, to go and fix the roof, mend the walls and sew his pants.. and give him a hug. 🙂
Oh you made me giggle yet again, wouldn’t it be nice if ‘groups’ were formed to do exactly that – to help the elderly and give them a hug and tll them they aren’t alone in this world. Thank you Amber xxx
that was just plain beautiful. Thank you for sharing it.
It is my pleasure bill, I thank you more so for reading and making comment.
Sad.
Yes, I appreciate you reading – thank you.
I always wonder what strangers’ stories are that I happen to pass on the street. There’s always more there than just what we see with our eyes.
Thank you Bee for visiting and commenting. Yes sadly it’s a case of don’t judge a book by its cover.
This story torch me deeply, and you twist it slowly so my sympathy for Ben grows more and more the further I read.
Thank you Bjorn very much, yes it did start to grow in fact I probably could have continued, but then I guess the impact wouldn’t have been the same.
if more of us would stop and listen, take the time to engage an elder in conversation, our lives would be richer for the effort. thank you for bringing that to light in this piece.
It would be a far lovelier planet if we took the time – thank you for your comment train appreciated greatly.
Nice, emotional story. Really enjoyed it.
I thank you for visiting Shirley and for comments – appreciated.
Sounds like song lyrics as I read it in my head, like it needs a tune attached. Interesting story in there, though.
Hello Joanna – welcome and thank you for commenting, any song writers out there?? Anyone? 🙂