Breakfast at the Shelter
a reflective naani about acts of kindness98 total reviews
Comment from Lyrical_CD
Amen... I love the way your little poem here breaks down barriers in a world where barriers are emplaced to keep emotional protection. Good write.
Cory
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Amen... I love the way your little poem here breaks down barriers in a world where barriers are emplaced to keep emotional protection. Good write.
Cory
Comment Written 17-Jun-2009
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Cory, thank you for your lovely comments. You're always so thoughtful :-) Brooke
Comment from DecrepitOldBag
Brooke, there is such power in your writing, and you are quite correct, of course. The power of a smile or gentle word is boundless. I greatly admire you as you already know. How nice of the little girl, Lydia, to help out as well. She will learn as much from her experience as the the large men will feel calmed.
Terrific write, as always.
Warmest wishes
Kat
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Brooke, there is such power in your writing, and you are quite correct, of course. The power of a smile or gentle word is boundless. I greatly admire you as you already know. How nice of the little girl, Lydia, to help out as well. She will learn as much from her experience as the the large men will feel calmed.
Terrific write, as always.
Warmest wishes
Kat
Comment Written 17-Jun-2009
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Kat, thanks so much and good morning! Yes, this little one is learning so much from this opportunity - I applaud her parents :-) Brooke
Comment from Kentucky Sweet Pea
Well, Brooke, you have my eyes brimming with tears this morning thinking of that sweet child and the bright and wonderful lady her father brought her to help. Thank you for your service to your fellow humankind, for writing, and for being you.
Penny
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Well, Brooke, you have my eyes brimming with tears this morning thinking of that sweet child and the bright and wonderful lady her father brought her to help. Thank you for your service to your fellow humankind, for writing, and for being you.
Penny
Comment Written 17-Jun-2009
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Penny, she was such a great little bit of sunshine - I sure hope she is back next week. She has morning camp in July, so I want at least one more week with her :-) Thanks so much for your warm comments. Brooke :-)
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you're welcome, friend.
Comment from filmoreodragon
Isn't it the truth. I know it works for me, part of why I love teaching. What a sweet young lady to serve like that at so young an age. Good parents too! Lovely poem about a simple, yet infinitely important gift.
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Isn't it the truth. I know it works for me, part of why I love teaching. What a sweet young lady to serve like that at so young an age. Good parents too! Lovely poem about a simple, yet infinitely important gift.
Comment Written 17-Jun-2009
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Yes, wonderful parents! Thank you, my friend, and good morning :-) Brooke
Comment from Nescher Pyscher
And she's learning what being a Christian really means, too.
I loved it, Brooke. The form is largely irrelevant in the face of the premise. Good stuff here.
:0)
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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And she's learning what being a Christian really means, too.
I loved it, Brooke. The form is largely irrelevant in the face of the premise. Good stuff here.
:0)
Comment Written 17-Jun-2009
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Thank you, Nescher. Yes, her parents are teaching her so much by giving her this opportunity. Brooke :-)
Comment from Fleedleflump
I let the lady on;
she seemed so old and frail.
She glared the whole journey,
as if I'd killed a whale.
*
I held the door for her,
"I'm capable, thank you.
I don't need condescending men
to grind me 'neath their boots."
*
I braked to let her cross
and beckoned her away.
She yelled I was a tosser;
traffic other way came.
...okay, so the last one's inspired by my nan, who the other day was waiting to cross the road. A driver stopped so she could cross. She walked up to his car and shouted at him for telling her to cross when there was a car going the other way. I pointed out to her that the guy will never, in his life, ever stop to let an old lady cross the road again.
All down to perceptions I guess :-).
That's not to take away from your beautiful, insightful, and touching naani, Brooke. Not in the least.
Mike
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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I let the lady on;
she seemed so old and frail.
She glared the whole journey,
as if I'd killed a whale.
*
I held the door for her,
"I'm capable, thank you.
I don't need condescending men
to grind me 'neath their boots."
*
I braked to let her cross
and beckoned her away.
She yelled I was a tosser;
traffic other way came.
...okay, so the last one's inspired by my nan, who the other day was waiting to cross the road. A driver stopped so she could cross. She walked up to his car and shouted at him for telling her to cross when there was a car going the other way. I pointed out to her that the guy will never, in his life, ever stop to let an old lady cross the road again.
All down to perceptions I guess :-).
That's not to take away from your beautiful, insightful, and touching naani, Brooke. Not in the least.
Mike
Comment Written 17-Jun-2009
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Mike, You nan sounds like a real character! LOL Personally, I love when people hold doors, etc - and not just men for women - I hold doors for men holding packages or strolling babies or whatever too! :-) Thanks, Brooke :-)
Comment from penelope
I think it's a great idea to have children at least be aware of those who are homeless, Brooke. So well done here for reminding us with your effective Naani. A smile can work miracles. Penelope
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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I think it's a great idea to have children at least be aware of those who are homeless, Brooke. So well done here for reminding us with your effective Naani. A smile can work miracles. Penelope
Comment Written 17-Jun-2009
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Penelope, children can handle far more than many middle-class parents think - some want to keep any troubles of the world secret from them. Thank you, Brooke :-)
Comment from MsRefusenik
I imagine the very real smiles of an eleven-year-old volunteer does indeed "take cares away." It tells something about you that you noticed the change in the men in the presence of the child. Wise words indeed: "Never underestimate the power of an act of kindness or the power of a smile." Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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I imagine the very real smiles of an eleven-year-old volunteer does indeed "take cares away." It tells something about you that you noticed the change in the men in the presence of the child. Wise words indeed: "Never underestimate the power of an act of kindness or the power of a smile." Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 16-Jun-2009
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Thanks so much - I appreciate your warm and gracious comments. Brooke :-)
Comment from Nicnac
Aww... Lydia gave so much.
We should all help others with a smile.
I enjoyed this poem, Brooke.
It made ME smile. ;)
Blessings,
Nic
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Aww... Lydia gave so much.
We should all help others with a smile.
I enjoyed this poem, Brooke.
It made ME smile. ;)
Blessings,
Nic
Comment Written 16-Jun-2009
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Nic, thank you! She is a special girl. Brooke :-)
Comment from Lady & Louis
Brooke, it also puts me in mind of a saying about grudging charity (I think) - how it's no charity at all. Something like that, anyway; and this is the opposite. Good Naani, this one.
Louise :)
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Brooke, it also puts me in mind of a saying about grudging charity (I think) - how it's no charity at all. Something like that, anyway; and this is the opposite. Good Naani, this one.
Louise :)
Comment Written 16-Jun-2009
reply by the author on 17-Jun-2009
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Yes, I've heard from my friends at the Center that the people who serve on a couple of the days are rather dour - all business and not much friendliness - and they really notice the difference. They go out of their way to let me know how much they enjoy Tuesdays :-) I, in turn, smile at their appreciation - it all comes full circle! Thanks, Louise. Brooke :-)
