50 years ago
a young schoolgirl
waited at a bus stop
an old man came along
sat down next to her
asked if she could read his letter
she began to read it for him
she remembers it was a personal letter
her bus arrived
she apologised
did not want to but got on the bus
being late for school was a serious offence
in those days
she looked at him as the bus moved off
she still remembers his upset face
she remembers the terrible rush of guilt
she still feels terribly sad
about leaving that old man with his letter unread
to this day
needless to say she
she has been on the literacy 'for all' band wagon
banging the tambourines
ever since
What a touching poem. We can often take literacy for granted when it isn't true for all..keep banging those tambourines
ReplyDeleteThe narrative evokes many kind of emotions. Well put.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this poem. What an impression, how visual the moment that now sticks with me forever!
ReplyDeleteMarvelous story of how otherwise haunting experience can spur positive action
ReplyDeleteIt must be terrible to not be able to decipher words. I cant imagine. Thanks for the reminder not to take it for granted.
ReplyDeleteI am sure he got someone else to read the letter for him.
ReplyDeleteI am sure many of us have a moment of regret in our lives like yours. It is part of our learning experience being able to cope with that scene for the rest of ones life which may certainly turn us into a kind and helpful person ever after.
ReplyDeleteI needed to read this, Rall. It was so very touching, it found a soft space with me. Things we will never forget seem to be those where we have hurt someone else and still we need not have done better. There were others in his world who would soon come along.
ReplyDeleteBut also there are so many times where we can share this blessing, being able to read, with someone who can't. I'm thinking especially little children who have not yet learned and then those who are physically or mentally unable to read. Even remembering this situation and your sharing is a blessing, your readers and yourself.
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A poignant memory that sparked a dream. Love it!
ReplyDeleteThere are some moments in life we never forget, and wish we could fix. Beautiful, Rall!
ReplyDelete