He looks out at the sparkling sea
and drinks his morning cup of tea
But there’s a shadow to his left,
the darkness of a soul distressed
He knows now he must move with haste
to stop a life from going to waste
“This time, this one, perhaps,” he thinks,
“maybe, I ‘ll pull back from the brink”
The Angel of The Gap, at dawn,
heads out once more across his lawn
to offer balm, a light to see
a way out from their misery,
to coax them not to end it all
and save them from that fatal fall.
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I love this poem, Bb. I have always believed in angels being among us, particularly guardian angels.
This, a human angel, Adeeyoyo – Don Ritchie is said to have saved more than 100 people from taking their lives.
http://www.smh.com.au/national/an-angel-walking-among-us-at-the-gap-20090731-e4f2.html
Wow, what a wonderful human being! I checked him out:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Ritchie
I’d like to believe in Angels, to believe that someone, some being is looking out for you, and your poem brings that belief one step nearer… Maybe we’re all Angels in the making? We just need to look out for others…
Lovely poem bb, ‘feels’ just right. xPenx
Yes, Pen – I think Don Ritchie’s actions have really brought this home –
http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2011/01/25/3121662.htm
My thanks for the link bb, I followed it to find a human deserving of the title, Angel. xx
And so we work through life, hoping that the angels are kind …
Thank goodness for the Don Ritchies of the world, Cin
I love this poem with its timeless and ethereal quality even though he is a real person and what an amazing man – many would just leave the person to there own devices; and it is very telling that many later thanked him with letters and gifts (they didn’t really want to die, just the pain to end).
He is a real inspiration, Gabrielle. What I find so admirable is his incredible courage in approaching these distressed people and having the conviction that the simple acts of talking and listening could make a difference at that critical point – and knowing all the while that he may (as he has) witness something unspeakable. Your comments about not really wanting to die highlight a fundamental reason why it’s so important for people to know exactly where to get help when they need it. bb
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If you are not on FB, please let me have the details and I will contact Pesto Princess on your behalf.
Enjoy 🙂
Hello Cin
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bb
Good heavens – yes, an angel. But what a burden, when most of us would prefer to drink our tea and watch the water. Mr. Ritchie is always on guard for shadows. I’m sure he dreams about the ones he has lost.
I am sure he does dream about them, Monica – perhaps the fact that his and his wife’s simple acts of kindness have had profoundly positive consequences for many help to reduce that burden.
I was going to comment on this poem when you first posted it and got distracted…I too thought it was fictional. That’s such a wonderful, selfless service to perform. God bless that man and thank you for commemorating his service with your beautiful imagery.
With him you share the courage to speak out on what is a taboo subject for many, Coin & Feather
Thank you. I can’t let my nephew’s death be for nothing. It’s less courage than determination 🙂
I hope some of his neighbours join him in watching out for people. A good reminder to us all to be watching out for those around us and offering a cup of tea and conversation to those for whom it may mean the world.
Indeed, Zoë. Small gestures can make the world of difference in some cases.
Wow – what an amazing poem about an amazing ‘living’ angel! Love your poetry xx
He is an amazing man, Chloe. Thanks for your comment
Love this,,,love poetry that acknowledges angels 🙂
Thanks, Anne. Don was an ordinary man who provided an extraordinary service to the community.
All your poems are beautiful. 🙂
Thank you for this lovely comment, Elizabeth 😀 (we seem to be crossing over again today :))