Sunday, April 3, 2016

SAVING THE LITTLE PUP


source


While on a walk some time ago,
along the sidewalk of a beach,
I came upon a commotion.
There were people stopping traffic
to protect a little seal pup
who had wandered to the street. 
Afraid, it cried as it hid 
under one car, then another.
Official helpers had been called
but the wait seemed so long.
Intent walkers, joggers, runners
kept going, looking forward.
We bystanders gasped 
as some drivers drove on
regardless of the baby
they might kill.
My heart, my nerves
could not withstand
the tightness of this tension.
I left with aprehension
hearing sirens in the distance.

Now, as I review that scene,
I see myself through all.
Because sometimes I fear the fear
that right before me crawls, 
Sometimes I hide. 
I often cry.
Sometimes I feel helpless.
I rush by.
Sometimes I help 
while other times I watch, 
most times caring, but sometimes not.
Always I worry, wondering if in time
those in charge will solve world's crisis.
Trying to escape the tension,
I walk, walk, walk waiting
to hear sirens of hope in the distance.


(This happened in Carlsbad, California.  I'll never know what happened to that little pup.)














17 comments:

  1. Oh how familiar these feelings are...
    Thank you.

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  2. My goodness! I literally held my breath as I read through this piece.
    Beautifully expressed.

    Lots of love,
    Sanaa

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  3. I read a fascinating metaphor about more than a seal pup here....I have witnessed similar calamities with nature and ho w many just drive on not caring.

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  4. ah..you're tapping in our ability to be compassionate to each other, including animals...powerful poem!

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  5. What a powerful metaphor that little one became for you. And now for us, through your words.

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  6. Interesting to read the many ways you have followed 'sometimes' to explain different reactions.....and also the ways you incorporated the sirens as "sirens of hope" in the whole picture. So fitting!

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  7. Oh! I hope he was rescued! :-(

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  8. "Always I worry, wondering if in time / those in charge will solve world's crisis."....I am exactly in this position now as my State goes to poll today...for nearly one month this scene will continue...sigh...

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  9. Always I worry, wondering if in time
    those in charge will solve world's crisis.
    Trying to escape the tension,
    I walk, walk, walk waiting
    to hear sirens of hope in the distance

    We ordinary folks are just helpless but we understand there are issues. However there seems not to be any urgency. Shared your concern Myrna!

    Hank

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  10. i think the last verse is one we can all relate to - if we have the integrity and honesty to really say how hard the world can be at times..that counts for a great deal and shows much strength..i used to put my trust in sirens..but often it is silent rescuers who come to aid those in need

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  11. People are full of worries everyday, I am & I think it's natural. But sometimes I wonder if we can wake up one day not having to worry at all because we know we can do something beyond just worrying. :)

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  12. People are full of worries everyday, I am & I think it's natural. But sometimes I wonder if we can wake up one day not having to worry at all because we know we can do something beyond just worrying. :)

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  13. You have a beautiful heart Myrna....love the hope that comes through in your last line....lovely!

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  14. About two years ago, I found an injured field mouse, in my apartment building. I know, the merciful thing would have been to end its suffering, but I could take its life. Instead, I placed it, outside, in the hope, it would find a place to heal, and continue on, with its life. I wonder, did I do, the right thing, for this little fellow? A question, I ask myself, too many times.

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  15. oh my, a seal pup, in the middle of traffic and cars going on not even caring about it? well, kudos to you for caring. I don't know how I would be if I were in your situation. but I love seals and how they resemble dogs. I hope the situation ended happily. did it?

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  16. i think i am familiar with these feelings too, under such situations. to help, or not to help, to lend a hand, this indecision, it weighs on the mind.
    this is a metaphor for our times.

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