S T O R I E S

Yesterday...common scenes of people, many people, lots of people,
Shoving, threatening, biting, bitching...where
Seldom was heard, an encouraging word.
Evil came, killed, and left.
Today... lines of people,
Some shuffling across shiny floors,
Some crawling on concrete and dead,
Up and down streets, slipping from sight,
Many people, lots of people.
Yet...seldom was heard, a discouraging word.
Through airports, offices,  rubble
Or  fire,
Many people, lots of people prayed...
Though sweating, seared and tired,
Seldom was heard, a discouraging word.
Out of a womb ripped raw, bleeding,
A new peoples...born.
Many people, lots of people,
Looking, searching... for brother or friend,
Sister, mother, where to begin.
Uttering words long forgotten. Welcome.
Once lost. Now found.
“I’m sorry.  Excuse me.
May I help you please?
Thank you.
May God be with you.
I love you.”
Seldom was heard, a discouraging word.
Many people, lots of people.
In pain. Swept with grief. Mourning.
Yet...seldom was heard, a discouraging word.
Stay new day.
Stay.
We promise your care,
Until steady we can be,
Tomorrow’s people, many people, lots of people,
kind, loving, and doing for thee.
And seldom is heard, a discouraging word.
 
Roni Bell     © September 17, 2001

Roni,
Support, respect and integrity are often missing in many personal and professional interactions. 
There have been a multitude of attempts lately to deceive and defraud coming from supposedly professional businesses and contractors.  Your poem reflects the reality of the abundance of discouraging words.
This is the season to resolve to assist in elevating personal, business and political arenas toward the Universal principals of honesty and excellence.   
 
M. S. Hollis