the aged asian

a profound wisdom expressed so deeply
by the curve in your back.
the sustained ripples so visible
behold a life with many cracks.

scrounging for anything and everything,
my mind followed your track;
leading to confusion and heartache,
unable to face the facts.

You seemed as if you were struggling,
struggling with your life;
but yet you appeared so joyful,
content in your strife.

carrying your possessions in a plastic bag,
you searched for more;
with a harmonica in hand,
you played one more.

the sound was sweet and intentions there,
your joy of life heard like a holler;
as you stomped your feet almost bare,
you gave your audience just one dollar.

money you would not accept
for your deeds were true;
and yet you continued
to search the sky so blue.

in the chill of a winter so long
the icicles gathered;
your whiskers held strong
and the gods of season stood flattered…

where are you now i often wonder,
so full of kindness and heart;
have your trials led you asunder?
when did this neverending madness start?

i’ll never forget that magnificent day,
you came to me on such a glorious day;
and together a sport we play,
while it seemed as though the angels lay…

in the fields of green,
you worked with wise hands,
forever hunched over
your foundation still stands.

a model for many
though they will never understand;
for many a year
you tread on nature’s exuberant land.

you’ve disappeared without a trace
never to be seen;
but my memory you’ve laced
with nourishing scenes.

~ by JF on August 14, 2006.