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A LITTLE MOMENT OF JOY
Contributed by
lovingcritters
on
Thursday, 13th November 2003 @ 05:40:05 AM in AEST
Topic:
Grief
|
He was a driver of a Taxi.
In this land somewhere, could be?
He said that his was a "Cowboy's"
life, no boss!
It was also a beautiful ministry.
His cab driven at night,
was like a "confessional."
Passengers seated behind him
spoke freely with anonymity, as a wall!
Their lives amazed him, ennobled
him, some made him laugh, others
at times weep, he had thin skin.
But, no story he ever told touched
his heart and soul, as much as
the story I'm about to tell.
An aged woman, bent, he picked-up
late one August night, before daylight..
He was called at 2:30 a.m. one morn,
to a four-plex, in a quiet part, close to
where he was born.
When he arrived, there was a single
light in the ground floor window.
He would sit waiting below.
Most cabbies would honk
and if no response, simply drive away.
He had seen too many improvished people
in his day, depending on taxi's, their
only transporation, so he decided to stay/
He was gentle, kind, and considerate,
always went to the door.
As he knocked, he heard a frail,
aged voice deplore.
"Just a minute."
Then he heard something being
dragged along the floor.
A tiny woman in her 80's
opened, to let him in.
She was wearing a print dress,
pill box hat, with veil, and a pin.
She looked like someone stepping
from a 1940's movie, or close to kin.
By her feet sat a suitcase, small.
Her little apartment didn't appear
"Lived-in" and all!
Covered with sheets o'er her furniture.
No Clocks, nor knick knacks,
no past, no future.....
In one corner he observed
a cardboard box, filled
with photos, glassware, and
collected rocks.
"Would you carry my bag out to the
car?" she said.
Lifting her suitcase and offering his arm,
he lead her slowly to the cab's trunk bed.
She insisted upon thanking him
over and over again.
He said, "It's nothing, no strain,
I treat all my customers, the way I would
treat my Mother, or any other.
She said, "You are such a good boy,
I'm glad they sent you to me to employ."
When they were seated in the cab.
She handed him an address, her eyes were sad.
"Could you drive through downtown?"
"It's not the shortest way," he said.
"Oh, I don't mind," she said.
"I'm in no hurry today.
I'm on my way to a hospice, to stay."
He looked in the rear view mirror.
Her eyes were glistening, as he
was intently listening......
"I don't have any family left, you see.
The Dr. says I've not long to be."
He reached over and shut off the meter.
Listening carefully where he would lead her.
For two hours, he drove her around the city.
As they stopped in front of a building old.
"This is where I was an elevator
operator," he was told.
A huge warehouse that was once a ballroom
A young girl danced, he assumed.
A small neighborhood, where she
and her husband were newly wed.
She'd ask him to slow down,
saying nothing, staring straight ahead.
At the peak of the sunrise.
"Let's go now," she said.
"I'm tired, and so are my eyes."
They drove in silence to a
quaint convalescent home,
under the portico she was
met by orderlies,
who insisted she not roam.
They were helpful, and intent.
Obviously expecting her and this event.
He removed her small suitcase
placing it on the cab floor.
She was helped into a wheelchair,
and headed for the door.
"How much do I owe?" she asked.
while reaching in her purse.
He said, "Nothing"
"But, you have to make a living," she coerced.
He replied, "I have other passengers to rely."
Without even thinking he bent,
and gave her a hug goodbye.
She responded and held him tightly.
"You just gave an old woman
a little moment of joy, and I
thank you, most kindly."
He squeezed her hand, then walked
into the dim morning light.
Behind him, he heard a door slam.....
it was the sound of the closing of the
old woman's life!
He didn't take on anymore passengers.
He couldn't even talk, as he drove
aimlessly, lost in thought.
"What if she had got, an angry driver?
That didn't sympathize with her lot?
What if he himself, had refused to take her?
And with closer review, drove on and left her
for the kindness of few?
He then realized he had never done
anything this important in his whole life!
We are taught that we live for Great Moments.
That are filled with big dreams, heartache, or strife.
But the truly Great Moments
often touch us unaware.
Beautifully wrapped in what others
consider a very low fare!
As he looked back, he was so glad to have cared.
For he may never remember
the deed to reveal.
But, he will never forget,
how joyful, it made his heart feel!
This story was taken from a short
story I read, that has no Author.
I did not write the story,
but the poem is mine.
"Please, always remember to be kind!"
Created by
Cheri Cam Lebren
November 12, 2003
Copyright ©
lovingcritters
... [
2003-11-13 05:40:05]
(Date/Time posted on
site)
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Re: A LITTLE MOMENT OF JOY
(User Rating: 1 )
by emystar on
Thursday, 13th November 2003 @ 05:49:59 AM AEST
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Info | Send
a Message)
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Wow, my friend this is a great story and excellent poem!
Thanks for sharing it!
Thanks for all your comments on my writing.
God bless u-n-yours,
emy |
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Re: A LITTLE MOMENT OF JOY
(User Rating: 1 )
by 13Hopes on
Thursday, 13th November 2003 @ 07:14:43 AM AEST
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One of the most enjoyable things i have ever read. What a read : )
Cheers
#13 |
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Re: A LITTLE MOMENT OF JOY
(User Rating: 1 )
by jaeann on
Thursday, 13th November 2003 @ 05:37:06 PM AEST
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Info | Send
a Message)
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| you always touch a little piece of me............ |
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