Mouths tight, brows furrowed.
Why? They drive in with their fancy
Cars, thick coats, scarves wrapped round
Their necks like a wreath.
Me? I’m their parking lot decoration.
I move their leftover carts, pick up their trash,
Trudge through the ice and rain and snow
And nod toward their blank faces.
Yet I am. I am! I peer up at the sky
Flakes fall on my nose and I laugh
Which makes them look at me finally
As if I’m crazy and they’re fearful
Of me. Hah. They’re the strange ones.
I smile at a woman and surprise, she
Smiles back and we exchange a glance of
Understanding. Her smile widens as she looks up,
Pokes out her tongue and tastes the snow, as
Sweet as sugar, her expression, and I realize.
She sees me.
Superb, Pamela.
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That’s a special compliment, Sue, as I consider you a fabulous poet. I’ve been reading your poetry book Life Lines on my Kindle and so agree that “The pen paints the soul’s longing.” I’d like to share that line with my creative writing students! May we never be shaped by “the grey people.”
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Help yourself to the phrase, Pamela… I consider that a great compliment too!
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Yay! Thanks, I will (and I’ll give you credit). 🙂
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Thanks, Pamela 🙂
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I’m with you on this, the sadly overlooked supermarket staff, out in all weathers
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A smile and a nod do wonders…
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Excellent. Everyone has a job to do, everyone is important and deserves a smile.
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Those smiles are so appreciated, and usually returned in a most beautiful way.
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Such a sensitive piece
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Sensitive issue – people need to get out of their ‘own heads’ and put themselves into the place of others. Ah, that would solve so many problems.
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Our local Walmart has mentally challenged people working in the parking lot. I always stop and chat with them. They brighten my day. Lovely piece, Pam. ❤
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Those little actions – a smile, a “how’re you doing?”, a brief conversation about the weather – these things make a difference – in everyone’s lives! You’re a blessing, Jill.
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This was wonderful. To be seen, noticed, recognized. A good feeling.
Have a great weekend.
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Nothing more lonely than being invisible to others. May we all open our eyes and smile to all those in “invisible” jobs that make our life easier.
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To be seen! We are connected today as I lament ‘as the wind’ who cannot be seen. And how must that feel?
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We ARE connected with our laments. Love your post. https://bikecolleenbrown.wordpress.com/2020/03/06/never-seen/
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Thank you ❤
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This is lovely and sensitive. I always say hi or thank you to the attendants when I see them in the parking lot. Like Jill’s Walmart, my local ShopRite hires mentally challenged people to work in all sorts of positions–some of them have worked there for many years.
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Yes, our local stores hire those challenged also – funny how the “challenged” ones are the ones who smile and make life brighter for us all… xo
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To be seen, it can mean so much, make such a difference. This makes me want to pay more attention to the people around me when I’m out shopping, instead of focusing all my attention on the task at hand. So many moments I must have missed…
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And I need to realize that some people I see hurrying along without acknowledging others are not being mean, they’re just (too) bogged down in their own “stuff.” May we release our “stuff” and open up to all those around us. Many thanks for your comment, Barbara.
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Touching and beautiful, Pam. Grocery store employees who corral the carts perform a service we all appreciate, and it’s easy to forget their work and their often-uncomfortable working conditions. As I read this, I was thinking about people with all kinds of jobs that are easily overlooked. I’m grateful for your reminder to thank them for the work they do.
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Thanks, Amy. I think we all need to be reminded sometimes to get out of our own “heads” and look around, see those who are working all around us, making our lives easier, and SMILE! xo
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After I park my car at the store, I pick up a stray cart and bring it in. This gives me a chance to test drive a cart. If it is too noisy or hard to push, I exchange it when I get inside.
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“Test drive” a cart. Smile. Yes, and I also bring my own cart back to the store after I’ve used it. I’m surprised at how many just leave a used cart in the middle of the lot. Boo. Hiss. Generosity and thoughtfulness go a long way. ❤
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I see this divide a lot when I’m shopping. It’s a good reminder to be on the proper side. Great post, Pam!
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Yes, you’re right, it’s a divide. Some are so clueless about those around them. It’s sad – not only to those they’re “shunning,” but to themselves. Here’s to opening our eyes – and hearts – to all around us. xo
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It’s a gift to be able to see people rather than see through them as if they don’t exist. Well said here.
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Actually, well said on YOUR part. You’re right, some just look THROUGH others, as if they don’t exist (or as if they don’t matter). No matter our color/sex/ethnicity/job/ — we all matter equally, of course. ❤
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Our Publix hires mentally challenged people to bag groceries. They are careful to please and always wear a smile, often gleefully. Poignant post . . .
Thanks for showcasing the unsung heroes in our ordinary days. Have a great weekend, Pam!
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I LOVE the idea of the gleeful smiles. You’re so right. Those smiles perk us up and make a visit to the store that much better, don’t they? xo
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Delicious story Pam! You have a way with words. I see and appreciate you. Hugs and snow flakes…
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Oh, love this Brad. I see and appreciate YOU. But, um, no snowflakes please. I am DONE with snowflakes (I just don’t know if snowflakes are done with ME!). 🙂
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You can send the snowflakes my way. I miss the snow. 🙂
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Gladly. Oh, if only I had that power. 🙂
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🙂
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Very poetic. Love it. Found myself reading it twice to absorb all the nuances. This part had me thinking more when I read it the first time (Mouths tight, brows furrowed. Why? They drive in with their fancy cars). People who have all the comforts of a reasonably wealthy life do have troubles just as others do. And then the part about not being seen – just an employee…. Well done, Pam.
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Thank you so much, Anneli. I think those who have all these comforts kind of “lose themselves” in their own little world, and forget about all those who don’t have the same comforts, and yet go around their job sweetly and with smiles. Perhaps our “troubles” wouldn’t seem so huge if we stopped and looked around.
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Exactly! We can get too caught up in our own little world and forget about others who have way more desperate worries.
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Love this sensivity Pam. Often we take people for granted, don’t even give a glance to those around us but once in a while when we look, words gush out. Your poem reminds me of one of mine that I had penned years ago, inspired from an old woman: here’s the link:
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Your link didn’t come through here, Balroop, and I would love to read your poem. Please add it here when you can. We poets (writers/soul-searchers) tend to observe a bit more keenly. At least, I like to think we do.
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Thanks for the heads up Pam and showing interest in my poem. Here’s the link.
https://balroop2013.wordpress.com/2017/09/02/i-am-not-homeless/
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Thanks for the link. Your poem is soul-wrenching. First, so important that we humans notice the pain of others. Second, that we try to put a voice to it. And third, can we help in any way? Your poem opens up the awareness we all should have. Thank you!
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I am touched by your sentiments Pam. Thanks for reading and feeling the emotions within this poem. Love and hugs.
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Fabulous Pamela and so true..xx
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Thank you, Sally, and thank you so much for sharing. May a little poetic reminder help us to look around, smile, connect. xo
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Terrific, Pamela
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Thanks, John!
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Pingback: Smorgasbord Blogger Daily – Friday 6th March 2020 – #Booktranslations Miriam Hurdle, #Poem Pamela Wight, #BookRecommendations Jacqui Murray | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine
I make sure to give the parking lot attendants a smile and “thank you” also. Without them, it would be inconvenience, chaos and even accident. Very thoughtful poem, Pam. Thank you!
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The poet in me bows to the poet in you, Miriam. I LOVE your book Songs of Heartstrings. xo
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We are in good company with each other, Pam. Thank you. ❤
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This really is an emotional poem, Pam. I often think that beggars and cleaners seem invisible to the general populace.
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Sometimes it’s up to us – writers/poets – to bring the invisible….VISIBLE. Thanks so much for sharing my poem, Robbie. ❤
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They are the ones we need to see. Thanks, Pamela.
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Yes they are! Many thanks for being here. xo
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GREAT post! ❤
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THANK you. ❤
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You are welcome 🙂
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Loved this Pam. I’m often invisible, but to be honest some days I prefer it that way.. lol..
A smile costs nothing… Sending warm hugs your way.. ❤
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It’s different when we chose to be invisible, compared to those who act as if we’re invisible. You’re so right, a smile is cost-effective in so many ways! 🙂
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🤗🙂😏😆😁😘
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How lovely this is, Pam! Absolutely beautiful writing xx
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Thank you so much, Clare. Hope your March is marching along well.
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It’s going fairly well, thank you (apart from anxiety about Covid -19!)
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Love it.
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Thank you!
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I love sharing a smile or a quick conversation with strangers – fellow shoppers and those who work for the store. It energizes us and makes us feel more human and connected.
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So true, And as a matter of fact, when I get out of my introverted shyness and strike up a conversation with a store employee who looks hassled and frazzled, it’s amazing how much their surprised smile makes me feel joyful.
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Kindness can go a long way and so can a smile and acknowledgement.
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Absolutely, Gerlinde. xo
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Amazing, Pam. Just beautiful. A tribute to all the invisible people that we can’t live without, to their resilience and ability to find joy, and to the people who open their eyes and see them. I love this.
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I know that you SEE everyone you encounter, Diana. May we all use our in-SIGHT to include all those around us. Particularly those who need a smile and an acknowledgement that what they do, who they are, matters.
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An-eye-opener, Pam! Everyone deserves to be seen, heard and appreciated. Well done!
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Many thanks, Bette. xo
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Good share, Pam! It’s good to be awake and aware of those around us, and to shed smiles whenever we can.
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I like your expression – may we “shed smiles” and cover all those around us!
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Pam, I found the change of colour and thickness of the font an intriguing part of the story. I do think about what you are saying (my interpretation.) Such as how it is tempting to not look at a homeless person in the eyes. Yet, they are here, this moment in time, crossing paths with us, another human being. I realize how you are likely writing about, noticing, ‘seeing’ the person working in the parking lot. You also remind me of the word namaste, ‘the divine in me respectfully recognizes the divine in you.’ Or as Ally says, seeing people versus seeing through people. Beautiful words! A great reminder!
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Ah, you noticed my change of color in this poem, Erica. I didn’t want to use extra space to show the end and beginning of each stanza, so I used different color instead. Seems to work well in blogging. 🙂 Thank you for your lovely comment. Yes, sometimes we think we’re supposed to avert our eyes from those handicapped or poor or performing menial jobs, but instead, I think we should do the opposite. Not STARE, but SMILE and offer a friendly greeting.
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I’ve been known to help round up a few of those wagons
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No doubt, my friend. ❤
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Pam, you are such a gifted writer. I love reading your stories. So beautiful!!
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Watch out! My head is getting too big for my hat! 🙂 Many, many thanks for the writing compliment. ❤
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Heartwarming!
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Separate topic, Pam, Wondering best way to PM you, although not really personal. 🙂 I have tried to order “Molly Finds Her Purr” Amazon.ca the last couple of months and site said ‘out of stock.’ I checked again this morning and now available with 1-3 month shipping. I ordered anyways, since I was ordering a few books. I will let you know if and when arrive. I have a few children on my upcoming gift list and I know they would like this book. Birthdays not for a few months. Just giving you .ca feedback. Have a great weekend!
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I just checked Amazon.ca again, Erica. SO frustrating that it’s 1-3 months shipping. The US Amazon has the books available immediately. Plus, the US Amazon shows 13 reviews (all 5 stars – yay) but the Amazon.ca only shows 6 reviews. Unfortunately, the publisher has no control over how/what Amazon does once the books are on there. Sorry! Let me know when it arrives!
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I guess those folks never had a kid who was the cart boy at a grocery store! Both my kids did it–girl and boy.
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That’s a wonderful job for your kids – also an excellent example of good parenting. xo
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I really like this! And yes, it is so important to acknowledge the people who, by doing their jobs, make life easier for everyone else. We need to see them for sure!
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Yes, we do. Thank you, Ann.
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I relate! Walking in my new Davis on the greenbelt I smile and bid hello and people stop to chat, but mostly to say howdy to my Westie. After nine months two friends have evolved there. Both have invited me to attend Mondavi Center events which I’ve done. Amazing what a smile and recognition can do.
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I’m so happy to hear this, Jeanette. Moving to a new location is difficult, and making new friends tantamount to the success of a move. Your smile is so gracious that I’m sure you’ve made many people’s day who cross your way. ❤
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You aways get right to the hart of the matter..:)
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Oh, what a lovely comment, George. Thank you! ❤
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I’m so grateful they are there, otherwise, when we go into a store and there are no carts inside, we would all be trudging out into the weather looking for them. We should all smile and wish them a wonderful day! A wonderful post, Pam!
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I’m hoping suddenly grocery store attendants are getting a load full of smiles and thanks now. 🙂 xo
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❤️
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I love this, Pam. Well done! 🙂
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Thank you, thank you, Jennifer. xoxo
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Very appropriate and thoughtful piece, Pam. Especially in winter, everyone deserves some extra warmth – literally and figuratively. I’m always aware of people around me and what they do or mean for the world or society (or I mumble something like “I could never do that”) but, on the other hand, I never acknowledge that feeling to the people involved, give them recognition, or even smile. We should all be nicer! Thank you for pointing that out. 🙂
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You bring up several good points here, Liesbet. First, YES, in cold yucky weather those who have to work in outside conditions need extra warmth – clothing AND smiles. Also, should we say to someone “I could never do that?” I certainly think it, but I suppose they have no option if desperate for a job and to pay the bills. I think of this every time I’m traveling and use a highway restroom and see a woman cleaning the bathroom stalls. A horrible un-thanked job that is important and yet no one wants to do it. I wish they had tip jars in those restroom. ;-0
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There is a lot in this poem. I always want to be like you and be there in that present moment, not missing the gift of it. Loved this and it makes me feel grateful.
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Oh, but my guess is that you are very aware of others in your sphere and that you give them the gift of your smile more often than you realize. That’s my guess. ❤
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This one brought tears to me eyes. How wonder-ful.
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What a wonderful response, Arlene. Thank you. ❤
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Pam, a reminder to us all to notice those around us … share in the gift of life, it’s joys! 😀 At the supermarket, I feel the trolley staff are critical – it’s cumbersome moving just one trolley I’m in awe of their 20+ ‘driving’ skills.😀 If they are uncleared for even an hour the car park is blocked by a snake of trolleys! Here’s to seeing everyone around us, taking no one for granted! hugs xx ❤️
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As always, you bring a smile to my face, Annika. Yes, exactly – sometimes those snaky lines of “trolleys” as you call them, carts in our American vernacular, are quite impressive. If one of those trolley snakes got out of control — yikes, it would be mayhem. 🙂
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This was wonderful, Pamela!
I love that the attendant was finally seen and more. How can one not find the joy in snowflakes landing on one’s tongue?
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One must be too immersed in oneself to miss the joy of kind, hard-working people and snowflakes on tongues.
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Indeed!
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Wonderful
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Thank you!
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Liked this post.
Did anyone else feel that it could also be about coronavirus? Or is it just me? I really think almost whole of the poem can be applied to covid19…..the world from its point of view. Then this actually gets scary 😥
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LOVED this, Pam!! People are people are people! I won’t cater to social standing so in other words I treat all those who come across my path equally. You wrote this so beautifully! I think a lot of us can relate to what your words said ….. Who really SEES anyone these days? How sad how disconnected we’ve become. Hopefully some day soon the domino effect of one person seeing another happens and then play it forward. (smile)
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Pay it forward and backward and circularly with smiles, a sweet word or two – that makes the world go round with LOVE. ❤
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Oh, to be seen! When we truly see someone, we have given them the most precious gift.
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Oh to be seen! When we truly see someone, we have given them the most precious gift. Not sure why my previous post says Anonymous, so I’ll try again.
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Thanks for re-commenting so I can see your pretty face here. Yes, we should always smile and share a part of ourselves to everyone – take away the invisibility.xo
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Pam, this is so lovely. A reminder to see everyone around us, not just where we’re rushing to or waving to, but especially those who need – just a little more – to occasionally be seen.
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Perhaps at this time in the world, where people have less places they can go, they’ll have more time to stop and see those who are there helping us in our day-to-day lives. xo
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How very appropriate Pam. Maybe people ARE beginning to appreciate them.
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We are all acquiring different perspectives these days, and if one of them is starting to SEE each other and show more gratitude, the virus will have lost some of its power.
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I really like this. A great reminder to me, to SEE people more than I usually do. 😉
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Thanks, Christine. If we all open our eyes a bit more (metaphorically) we can change the world, or at least make it a much happier, kinder place.
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