I am but a simple Man.
Simple, and uncomplicated.
If I like talking with You,
I will tell you… just that.
Folks are not accustomed to hearing
Words like, “I like talking with You.”
And I see some hesitation fleetingly race across a face
Followed, immediately, by a look of happy pleasure.
That doesn’t seem all that hard a thing to do …
That, telling you how much I like your Presence.
And I ask myself how you would know …
If I didn’t make the insignificant effort to tell you.
So, I just do it!
Just like I will tell you that your hairstyle is lovely …
Though we do not know each other, and are just passing.
(I then go quickly on my way to allay any potential discomfort.)
We meet in the market aisle, and have to negotiate around.
You smile, in passing.
Your smile made me feel good.
“Oh my! Such a beautiful smile! Thank you for sharing it.”
And again and again, over and over,
I am faithful to the charge given me
by my High School History Teacher,
Lo, those many decades ago.
“If … for the short while, that You are on this tiny planet …
You don’t leave it a better Place, for your having been here …
You will have wasted your Time.”
Tony Jonaitis (1962)
I love you Tony! [smile]
14 comments:
From his heart, to your heart, to those hearts you touch daily... the student has learned well. Tony would be most proud of you, John-Michael. I am trying to live by this axiom as well. Thank you for your simple, yet always powerful, words.
i do indeed try to practice this. it blows the checkout girls' minds sometimes. but i like to think in a good way.
i sure like talking with you.
These are wonderful words to live by and you are indeed doing your part to make this world a better place. I find when we have taken the time to notice such things that inspire a compliment, we are truly embracing the moment-without rushing through and missing the little things. The sharing of kind words always puts a spring in my step and a girlish nature to my attitude for the day...seeing things anew ~ and surely by now you must know conversations with you are some of the highlights of my day! Sending you love JM, have a simply beautiful day ~
I feel better just reading that. John-Michael, I like reading your words. They are from the heart, honest and pure. Thank you
Super Groovy
I enjoy my visits here, John-Michael. Always, I come away with more than when I arrived. Thank you!
It is so easy to smile at people and I'm always amazed at how shocked they look at first before smiling back.
It does indeed make the world a better place.
Thanks for sharing the poem, John-Michael! :]
I delight, My Dear Suza, in the continuation of my friendship with Tony and his marvelous Wife, Joyce, to this day. They live just around the Lake from me. And it is always a pleasure to catch them at home (midst their competitive and recreational skiing trips, antiquing forays, canoe-trip guiding outings, and visits with their son and his wife in the NorthEast.) We can scarcely begin our happy moments together before all of the time has raced past ... and we must again part company. They are two of my favorite people on Earth.
Lovingly ...
And I, Precious Lome, cherish each of our all-too-infrequent phone visits. The love that we share is dear to me!
Lovingly ...
Joni, My Darling ... I have been, for a little while now ... sitting here, and basking in the beauty and wonder that is your Presence. You stop me in Place ... and in the most still of Moments, you stir a breeze of sweet loving Grace that refreshes my Soul. How I do treasure and adore this Heaven-sent Gift that is our blessed Friendship!
I love You ...
Ahhh ... My Delightful Friend, You bring peaceful reassurance to my Spirit. I am so glad, Dear Super Groovy Friend, that you have done me the honor of sharing your world with me ... and making me welcome in yours. I am humbly grateful to you for that Generosity.
Lovingly ...
SulDog, My Friend, You make me a better man. That is, simply, a fact. You validate and encourage every hpe and desire that I hold precious for elements of living and Life, that I would, otherwise, have no means of a good perspective on. From what you demonstrate in your beautiful marriage ... to all that you so eloquently and entertainingly address, on so many subjects ... you illuminate corners and facets, of our shared World, that I would miss out on ... were it not for You.
I appreciate You, Jim, My Friend ...
And, in each of our individual Ways ... in each of our individual corners of this World that we share ... You, and I, and Love, and Smiles, can, will, and are bringing about, change ... one moment, and one opportunity at a time. I like our partnership in this living of Life thing, My Darling Aims! You are SO precious to me!
Lovingly ...
You, Dear Mrs C, are very welcome! I thank You for your kind visit.
Lovingly ...
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