Stories of Kindness from Around the World

Weeds From A Blind Boy


--by parsaakbar, posted Sep 25, 2007

The park bench was deserted as I sat down to read

Beneath the long, straggly branches of an old willow tree.

Disillusioned by life with good reason to frown,

For the world was intent on dragging me down.

And if that weren't enough to ruin my day,

A young boy out of breath approached me, all tired from play.

He stood right before me with his head tilted down

And said with great excitement, "Look what I found!"

In his hand was a flower, and what a pitiful sight,

With its petals all worn - not enough rain, or too little light.

Wanting him to take his dead flower and go off to play,

I faked a small smile and then shifted away.

But instead of retreating he sat next to my side

And placed the flower to his nose and declared with overacted surprise,

"It sure smells pretty and it's beautiful, too.

That's why I picked it; here, it's for you."

The weed before me was dying or dead.

Not vibrant of colors: orange, yellow or red.

But I knew I must take it, or he might never leave.

So I reached for the flower, and replied, "Just what I need."

But instead of him placing the flower in my hand,

He held it mid-air without reason or plan.

It was then that I noticed for the very first time

That weed-toting boy could not see: he was blind.

I heard my voice quiver; tears shone in the sun

As I thanked him for picking the very best one.

"You're welcome," he smiled, and then ran off to play,

Unaware of the impact he'd had on my day.

I sat there and wondered how he managed to see

A self-pitying woman beneath an old willow tree.

How did he know of my self-indulged plight?

Perhaps from his heart, he'd been blessed with true sight.

Through the eyes of a blind child, at last I could see

The problem was not with the world; the problem was me.

And for all of those times I myself had been blind,

I vowed to see the beauty in life,

And appreciate every second that's mine.

And then I held that wilted flower up to my nose

And breathed in the fragrance of a beautiful rose

And smiled as I watched that young boy, Another weed in his hand,

About to change the life of an unsuspecting old man.

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Readers Comments

Art Wood wrote: Humbled my inner thinking. Taught me to be more sensitive.
Sharon wrote: This poem is inspiring to me as i'm sitting at a computer feeling sorry about myself. It makes me think. I want to have the heart of this little child and stop taking life and the opportunities given to me from god for granted. My prayer today is strength from god be granted to love like this little guy. Thank you for sharing! I will share this poem with some other clinets at the center.

Sincerely,
Sharon
thaata wrote: To enjoy what we have and the nature and to bring happiness in others' lives, what we need is the cheerfulness and no expectations from life. A moving poem of life. Thanks.
Tatiana wrote: November 1, 2011what i do not realize is in truth how you're now not actlluay a lot more well-appreciated than you may be right now. You are very intelligent. You realize thus significantly when it comes to this topic, made me in my view believe it from numerous numerous angles. Its like men and women aren't fascinated until it is one thing to accomplish with lady gaga! Your personal stuffs outstanding. Always care for it up!
bhavita wrote: Beautiful poem
syble wrote: Just for me
katlampi wrote: That is very touching! Thank you for posting it, parsaakbar!
hansaa wrote: That was the most touching story i have every read. That little boy was definitely an angel in disguise!!!
rukhsar wrote: hi boys,,,love you
Nickgrand wrote: What a great story thank you!!!

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