It was a time of war where men fought men, in the hope of securing peace. Ironically, peace was difficult to come by as both sides were under orders to fight, so any proposed peace would surely remain elusive.
One particular day a woman was found wandering through the stark, war-torn countryside, her eyes staring, her heart bleeding.
A soldier approached her.
"Here," the soldier said, " Some food for your body and a blanket to warm you."
The woman stared vacantly at him.
"Go on, take it," the soldier said kindly, for he could see she was shell-shocked.
The woman didn't know what to make of it.
"A parka for your soul if you like", smiled the soldier.
Warmed by the soldier's kindness the woman accepted his offerings, not knowing whether he was friend or foe. It didn't matter to either of them...
Lisa, at dverse poets, has prompted us to pen a 144 word prosery.
It must include the line:
'Make of it a parka
For your soul.'
(By Alice Walker.) The words must remain in the original order but may be punctuated to alter their meaning.
Here is the link to dverse poets: Making a Parka
Maybe showing a small sign of unconditonal kindness is the first step for a lasting peace.
ReplyDeleteYes, you may be right, Bjorn. Sorry I posted 2 comments under your prosery. The computer decided to not post my comment so I re-did it and then it posted both comments! Go figure!
DeleteYour Prosery reminds me of the poetry we wrote at the Kindness Café in Norwich, Carol, from which a film was made. I shared my poem on my blog: https://writinginnorthnorfolk.com/2017/03/31/one-mans-kindness-in-no-mans-land-2/
ReplyDeleteKindness makes the world go round.
I'm glad you shared this link here, Kim - it pairs beautifully with Carol's prose.
DeleteThank you, Kim R. And thank you for the link! Kindness surely doesn't go amiss.
DeleteCarol, the message of hope and healing is something we all really need right now. The "kindness shown" in ways both large and small can bring the sunshine into the darkest, war-torn times.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kim G. Kindness cuts through the most difficult times, leaving a deposit of love.
Deletekindness makes miracles happen. kindness brings healing. One human interaction at a time can heal the world. We need to lay down the weapons and pick up flowers like the hippies did. I loved your story, Carol, and the graphic you used with it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa and thank you for the great prompt!
DeleteThat's so good, and very clever how you used the prompt line.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jay! :)
Deletea beautiful piece of writing! also, love the photo. hope to be back soon to enjoy more of your writing.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Pink! :)
DeleteSmall acts of kindness are the only way back from the place so many countries find themselves in due to their leaders and you exemplify this beautifully Carol...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much. One just simply shakes one's head, as to the rapid change we're seeing in leaders all around the world. Quite mind-blowing really. Are there any sensible leaders anywhere?
DeleteBeautiful piece, Carol! I really hate war and the many lives lost (and the pain of those who live with the memories of it).
ReplyDeleteYvette M Calleiro :-)
http://yvettemcalleiro.blogspot.com
Thanks, Yvette! War takes a tremendous toll indeed.
Delete