Wednesday 12 January 2011

The Invisible Ones - Three Word Wednesday

Three Word Wednesday where you write something using the three prompt words.
This week's words are  ... Harmless, Moist and Yelp.


She was always uncomfortable walking past the homeless.
She'd look in her bag, pretend she was engrossed on the phone, anything but catch their eye.
It wasn't that she didn't care.
It just seemed so enormous to consider them.
How they, the invisible ones, got there.
She turned the corner and was taken off guard, stumbling on one of their dogs, causing it to yelp.
"Oh god, I'm so sorry!"
"That's alright, love, he's harmless," the old man replied, rubbing the dogs head.
She shuffled uncomfortably. 
He existed. 
She had to acknowledge it in some way, so looked to the dog.
"He's lovely."
"Yep ... dogs don't care what ya look like or who ya are."
She lowered her head, ashamed, as if the remark was meant for her.
"Ya can give him a stroke, love, he won't bite."
She leant down and fussed his ears and was thanked with a moist lick.
"He likes ya ... dogs can always tell you know."
She gave a half smile and stood up.
"Do you, or your dog need anything?"
The old man looked at her.
"No you're alright, love, we're fine today. The sun's shining and we've just shared a bacon roll. Bin nice talking to you though, lady."
"You too," she replied, ready to walk on. Then she stopped. "My names Sandra by-the-way."
The old man lifted his head and looked her straight in the eye.
"My name's John," he said, then gestured to his dog, "and this old fellow here's Sam."
"Well, John ... and Sam," she said, leaning down and stroking the dog again. "It's been a pleasure."
"No, the pleasure's bin all ours, love, you'd be surprised how many people don't even see us ya know."
She smiled. "That's their problem, John...  I'll see you tomorrow."

25 comments:

Rashmi said...

"She was always uncomfortable walking past the homeless"....
The first line went straight to my heart...I have always felt like this.somewhat helplessness when seeing these people...
Great story...

anthonynorth said...

So often they see but not observe. Nicely done.

Ramesh Sood said...

Very nicely written..enjoyed the read..

RJ Clarken said...

What a beautiful, touching story. You made it come alive, so we all could see Sam and John.

Jae Rose said...

'I'll see you tomorrow' - scorching last line! It was a great scene..painted with honesty and humility..Brilliant! Jae

R.S. Bohn said...

Okay, I actually cried (still am). This is incredibly touching and beautifully done. Thank you so much for writing it and sharing.

Deborah said...

Thank you everso much for your lovely comments, I really appreciate them x

Sheilagh Lee said...

Touching and really meanful story.your right a lot of people do this.

VL Sheridan said...

It helps to remember that the homeless are all someone's child. Great story.

Kathe W. said...

a sweet story with a huge lesson

Thom Gabrukiewicz said...

such a great story, rich.

Ally said...

HI Deborah - I love your poetry. I searched high and low for a way to contact you but couldn't find one, hence the comment. I have a new site which offers a form of prompt. Please feel free to check it out. I'd love to have you contribute.
The url is www.photographprose.com and my FB page is http://www.facebook.com/pages/Photograph-Prose/162428337112893

I hope you find it interesting! Best wishes, Ally

Deborah said...

Thank you so much for your comments x

... and Ally, I certainly will check out your site :o)

Altonian said...

I haven't read you before, I certainly will do again if this is your quality. True to the feelings a lot of us have when face with the 'uncomfortable. Great!
Altonian

Deborah said...

Thank you Altonian :o)

Nessa said...

This is such a lovely story. It is so easy "not to see."

Unknown said...

So loving. So right. When I encounter the homeless I often think "In other circumstances, that could be my son/daughter." I treat them with the kind of caring I'd hope others would extend to my children.

Deborah said...

Thank you Kim and Nessa x

Uma Anandane said...

very well put the observation in words...enjoyed the read

Anonymous said...

I like the compassion you express here. Homelessness is a tough issue for many of us. I used to volunteer with an organisation that assisted homeless people and I got to know many homeless people very well. Some of them are genuinely down on their luck and need our help and empathy, but others are opportunists who will rob you blind if you turn your back. It's a mixed bag.

You write with a refreshing sensitivity. Moving.

Understanding Alice said...

How true to life this is - you have a keen eye.

Bye the way, I thought you might like to know I have awarded you a stylish bloggers award: http://understandingalice.blogspot.com/2011/01/how-nice.html

Deborah said...

Aww ... thank you Alice x

Jane Doe said...

A beautiful, uplifting story. I can only imagine how hard it is to be invisible.

Grandma's Goulash said...

Engrossing and touching. Very well done.

Deborah said...

Thank you everso much for your comments x