I saw a man walking, crying
The closeness, yet the distance of life in the city.22 total reviews
Comment from giovannimariatommaso
An in depth study on how our mental perspective associates the actions of another with each recurring statement, the reasons we think, perceive, believe, all come into play as we untwist the possible scenarios. Helping out is not always what is best for the individual who may need to go through the pain of a new personal paradigm. One may be present and wait for a signal to help, in which case we then may proceed. Wonderful Free Verse entry. Buona Fortuna in the contest. giovanni
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2020
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An in depth study on how our mental perspective associates the actions of another with each recurring statement, the reasons we think, perceive, believe, all come into play as we untwist the possible scenarios. Helping out is not always what is best for the individual who may need to go through the pain of a new personal paradigm. One may be present and wait for a signal to help, in which case we then may proceed. Wonderful Free Verse entry. Buona Fortuna in the contest. giovanni
Comment Written 25-Oct-2020
reply by the author on 25-Oct-2020
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Grazie! Giovanni. What a name, what a background, and what an honor! An accomplished musician and song writer, thank you sir.
Yes, when we are confronted with a complete stranger in obvious grief, should we approach? Do we invite ourselves in? Thats the dichotomy.The person is not themselves, they are lost in sorrow, They may be offended with intrusion. We enter their lives at our own peril. But still, we wonder, could we have helped? One things for sure, we never forget it. Thanks again sir for your great review.
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y/w giovanni
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
We see others in distress and we are concerned but in this world we don't interfere with other people's lives. I once heard my neighbour sobbing in her back garden and I whispered through the fence to comfort her, but she didn't want to talk about her troubles, it is hard to know when we can share our inner most sorrows, your words here are poignant Brad, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2020
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We see others in distress and we are concerned but in this world we don't interfere with other people's lives. I once heard my neighbour sobbing in her back garden and I whispered through the fence to comfort her, but she didn't want to talk about her troubles, it is hard to know when we can share our inner most sorrows, your words here are poignant Brad, love Dolly x
Comment Written 24-Oct-2020
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2020
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You are so right Dolly, its an on the spot decision that compels us to do something, but should we? These are personel matters, are we invited? Thank you for your review.
Comment from Jesse James Doty
Wow. This is well written, and runs deep with queries about how to proceed after seeing a man walking and crying. It is poignant, with great use of self-talk as the reader goes through what the writer experienced, encouraging us to introspect about how we would respond. This is a social commentary that speaks to several issues all within the confines of one exceptional free verse poem. I like the repetitive first line of each stanza, nudging us to think and ponder. You express yourself very well. Thank you for sharing this piece.
Take care,
Jesse
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2020
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Wow. This is well written, and runs deep with queries about how to proceed after seeing a man walking and crying. It is poignant, with great use of self-talk as the reader goes through what the writer experienced, encouraging us to introspect about how we would respond. This is a social commentary that speaks to several issues all within the confines of one exceptional free verse poem. I like the repetitive first line of each stanza, nudging us to think and ponder. You express yourself very well. Thank you for sharing this piece.
Take care,
Jesse
Comment Written 24-Oct-2020
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2020
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Thank you Jesse. And thank you for the 6 stars!! This story stuck in my mind for years, I've always wondered if we should act in peoples sorrow? Do they want us, or are they living out a tragic event that is personnal? We venture in at our own risk.
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Not only is the story provocative...it is well written. The exceptional rating is well deserved. You're welcome, Brad. And I agree with you, it is a tough decision on how to respond. Have a great weekend.
Jesse
Comment from equestrik
When I see folks who are crying or in pain I am also emotionally upset as well even if I don't know them at all. Just as you say, it stays with you and haunts you.
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2020
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When I see folks who are crying or in pain I am also emotionally upset as well even if I don't know them at all. Just as you say, it stays with you and haunts you.
Comment Written 23-Oct-2020
reply by the author on 24-Oct-2020
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Thank you for your review, and stars. You are so right. These are a persons tragic acting out, do they want us in their lives right now? its a question, that we venture into at our own risk.
Comment from royowen
I know what you're saying. I wonder how many incidents that cause a man to cry go unresolved for someone left to resolve their own issues, their own trouble, loneliness and rejection leave terrible wounds in their, an opportunity missed to help, support eternally missed, well done, a beautifully written free verse entry, good luck, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
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I know what you're saying. I wonder how many incidents that cause a man to cry go unresolved for someone left to resolve their own issues, their own trouble, loneliness and rejection leave terrible wounds in their, an opportunity missed to help, support eternally missed, well done, a beautifully written free verse entry, good luck, blessings Roy
Comment Written 23-Oct-2020
reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
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Thank you, great review. Well said. Yes, I just didn't know the reaction I'd get from a man that distressed from a complete stranger. I had torn feelings for sure.
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I think we all struggle with a toxic mix of emotion, hovering between compassion and fear of rejection.
Comment from Boogienights
This is very well done, it left me wanting to know why. Any of the causes you listed in your poem could have been the reason, but as you said, we'll never know. Best of luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
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This is very well done, it left me wanting to know why. Any of the causes you listed in your poem could have been the reason, but as you said, we'll never know. Best of luck in the contest.
Comment Written 23-Oct-2020
reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
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Thank you. Yes, this happened 35 years ago, took me along time to put this to words. I like to think I made the right choice.
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
A very well-written free verse poem about being close enough to see someone's pain in the city but something holds us back from reaching out and hear if we may be of help.
reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
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A very well-written free verse poem about being close enough to see someone's pain in the city but something holds us back from reaching out and hear if we may be of help.
Comment Written 23-Oct-2020
reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
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Very good Sandra. Thank you. Took me a long time to put this to words. Its such a fine line between action, and moving on.
Comment from Carmen Ducharme
Wow! your poem gave me goose bumps .Beautifully written and so true all those thoughts do go through ones head in that situation .And unfortunately we do seem to just walk on by .If we all just took a min to feel empathy for each other this world would be a much kinder world .God Bless
reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
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Wow! your poem gave me goose bumps .Beautifully written and so true all those thoughts do go through ones head in that situation .And unfortunately we do seem to just walk on by .If we all just took a min to feel empathy for each other this world would be a much kinder world .God Bless
Comment Written 23-Oct-2020
reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
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Thank you Carmen. Yes, so many doubts, so little time to act. But a pang of regret will always there.
Comment from Bill Schott
This free verse, I Saw a Man Walking Crying, comes to the reader asa haunting reminder that we are alone in this world, as long as no one asks us how we are.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
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This free verse, I Saw a Man Walking Crying, comes to the reader asa haunting reminder that we are alone in this world, as long as no one asks us how we are.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 23-Oct-2020
reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
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Yes Bill. I have carried this memory for years now, always wondering. a bit of regret. Thank you for your review.
Comment from Lucy de Welles
Wow, Brad. Really powerful piece.
Lots going on in this monologue. I can feel the strength of the field of resistance between the observer and the observed. The observer must stay on his side of the gap and just wonder. The observed puts out a force field to repel inquiry and assistance. Maybe the disability resides in the observer who finds himself unable to pierce through the resistance and dominate the space with love. Whose to say? We've all been this observer. Some of us, the observed. It's easier to conjure a set of differing realities for a stranger then it is to just ask.
What's interesting here, is the photo. This is not a homeless "street bum." This is a well dressed, educated, probably corporate man. Doesn't need money, food, clothing, or housing. Maybe just a cup of hot coffee and a chat. And a hankie.
Love the black and white. Adds color :) and drama to the text.
What I would love to read, is another poem from the observed's point of view. Then a third poem about a connection, and resolution. A lovely trilogy.
Great job! So pleased to see you write poetry too. You're great at poetry, Brad.
Cheers!
Lucy
reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
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Wow, Brad. Really powerful piece.
Lots going on in this monologue. I can feel the strength of the field of resistance between the observer and the observed. The observer must stay on his side of the gap and just wonder. The observed puts out a force field to repel inquiry and assistance. Maybe the disability resides in the observer who finds himself unable to pierce through the resistance and dominate the space with love. Whose to say? We've all been this observer. Some of us, the observed. It's easier to conjure a set of differing realities for a stranger then it is to just ask.
What's interesting here, is the photo. This is not a homeless "street bum." This is a well dressed, educated, probably corporate man. Doesn't need money, food, clothing, or housing. Maybe just a cup of hot coffee and a chat. And a hankie.
Love the black and white. Adds color :) and drama to the text.
What I would love to read, is another poem from the observed's point of view. Then a third poem about a connection, and resolution. A lovely trilogy.
Great job! So pleased to see you write poetry too. You're great at poetry, Brad.
Cheers!
Lucy
Comment Written 22-Oct-2020
reply by the author on 23-Oct-2020
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Wow! Thank you Lucy. You made my morning, day! You are so intune with what my emotions were, and are. That event was 35 years ago, and it still bothers me. Yes, the pix was important, I did'nt want to limit it to a obvious street druggie. Seriously considering your suggestions. And for you to say I can write poetry, is truly an honor. Thank you again.
