The night darkness seemed thick and sent lonely chills into the heart
The old man sat by the dumpster, forgotten.
He stared at a locket which glinted in the night.
A young woman’s picture, his only reminder of a treasured love .
Many turned up their noses in disdain, hurrying in the bustle of the season.
They did not know his story, only judged and mocked.
In a room in a building across from the street,
A 10-year-old sat in a bed with needles in his arm for hours receiving chemo.
He gazed out the window and noted the man.
Nurses came and removed his IV and then,
When the they were not looking, he took his food tray
and snuck into the street.
“Are you hungry?
They bring me food even though I don’t want to eat.”
The man gazed at the boy in awe as if He were an angel.
He had not eaten well in days.
He slid over and let the boy sit.
“Thank you,” he grunted as he swallowed down the food.
“Shawn, Shawn!” came an urgent cry.
A mother flew up to him and grabbed him in an embrace.
“What are you doing out here in the cold?”
“He was hungry.”
“Don’t ever run off like that again.”
She bundled up her wayward son and looking at the old man in distrust,
carried him back to the hospital.
Later, the old man stirred.
His heart reawakened,
He wanted to pray.
He made his way to the little hospital chapel
Where he lit a candle on the altar.
His prayer simple for a boy with cancer.
“Take me instead so I can go to be with Helen.”
He pulled out the locket and remembered her last days
Losing a similar battle to breast cancer.
Their life savings spent on hospital bills.
He lost his career and house and became destitute in his grief.
The mother stood at the back of the room in quiet amazement.
Having heard the prayer of whom she thought a bum.
She left the chapel without announcing her presence.
It seemed God had other plans for little, Shawn.
He called him home on Christmas Eve.
Shawn’s family prepared to bury their son.
the day after Christmas.
The mom had to make a stop as she left the hospital.
The old man sat by the dumpster in his cardboard box home.
“I now have a spare bedroom,” she said tears streaming.
“Shawn went to heaven this morning.”
The old man’s heart broke, not knowing what to say
and feeling betrayed.
God had not heard his prayer.
He barely heard the mother adding.
“Shawn told me that he wants you to have a home for Christmas.”
This fictional poem was written for the Two Shoes Tuesday’s hop where the words for the day are Calm or Candle.
Also contributing to these hops:
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This was very touching and I thank you for reminding me that we can see Jesus in the least expected places! Bless your writing as it blesses ours!
Mary, this was such a sensitive, thoughtful poem coupled with a moving song that tears came to my eyes. As we know life is fragile and changeable, so your words hold such hope for relationships.
Carol Varsalona (@cvarsalona) recently posted…Season of Transformation
I loved it, Mary. Generally I don’t like reading sad but this one was different, can’t describe. It reminded me of my dad. Mom had died at age 88 but Dad lived until 97. He would often say to me, “I should be dead too, with Mom.” I would tell him that God wasn’t through with him yet and explain, or remind him, how he was ministering to sooo many by the things he was doing for them.
…
Jim recently posted…Six Word Saturday ~~ What to do?
Such a moving story. And a great reminder to look beyond appearances. Something we’re so quick to do. We all need the heart of that little boy!
Sheila recently posted…The Best of 2014: The Loft
This choked me up, on various levels. I lost my Dad to cancer, but no matter how much he was suffering, he never lost compassion, generosity. Thank you for sharing this.
I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad to a heart attack suddenly. He was fine one day and gone the next. God took him home so quickly. Thank you for sharing with me today.
What a beautiful story. You are truly gifted as I knew you would be.
This gave me chills. So beautifully written. A little child shall lead them…
Patricia recently posted…Thursday’s Special: imperfection…
What a lovely story…a beautiful reminder of the compassion, love, and tenderness of Jesus. So glad you linked up with us at #theloft today. Do come by anytime.
Leah Adams recently posted…The Loft ~ A Tuesday Link Up – PotLuck ~ Best of 2014
Hi, thanks for stopping by. I am so glad to meet new readers. 🙂
Mary Hill recently posted…Lighting a Candle : A Poetic Story
A beautiful story that tugged at my heart Mary! This has so many important messages for us, about judging people without knowing their story, about a child’s heart, and about the ways that God answers our prayers, not always what we expect. You did a wonderful job with this, a Christmas story worthy of publishing! XOXO
Josie Two Shoes recently posted…Two Shoes Tuesday #108 – Calm or Candle
Thank you for linking up at The Loft. You have a gift, a way with words. So glad you shared this! AJ
Arabah Joy recently posted…Welcome to The Loft! Potluck {Best of 2014}
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my writing and for reading.
Such a touching story…
Totally upholds the Christmas spirit!
Beautifully expressed. I have goosebumps…
Merry Christmas, in advance 🙂
Anita recently posted…Sanitation And Hygiene #SwachhIndia
A wonderful, beautiful story! Thanks for sharing!
Ellen Chauvin recently posted…First Friday Favorite: Ellen’s WF Spinach Dip
A wonderful story, you captured the Christmas spirit here. Nicely written, my friend. Merry Christmas.
McGuffy Ann Morris recently posted…All Settled In
hi Mary, how are you? it’s a good poem. Thanks for sharing.
Ifeoma Samuel recently posted…DAY 9: WARDROBE MAKE OVER
hmm-mm quite creative and thoughtful Mary. thanks for sharing Mary.
Ifeoma Samuel recently posted…DAY 9: WARDROBE MAKE OVER
This is simply beautiful. Your writing paints such a beautiful story. Just as the son wanted the old man to have a room, so it is with Jesus, wanting to make sure we have an opportunity to have a room in His home as well. Thank you for sharing with us at The Loft!
Rebekah recently posted…The Loft – Best of 2014
Well this really is a tearjerker. Sadly we can’t bargain our lives away however the old man does have a chance to stand up and live a worthwhile life. The mother can be so proud of her son who thought of another despite his own problems. There are lessons there for all of us. This is a great story Mary.
Old Egg recently posted…A candle was lit
I’m deeply impressed with your poem. It brings tears to my eyes.
Romi recently posted…Wordless Wednesday: Christmas Wreaths
Thank you for sharing your sweet poem with us here at: Tell me a Story.
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