Stories in the City

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"Our similarities bring us to common ground;

Our differences allow us to be fascinated by each other."

~Tom Robbins

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I walked the streets of Chicago yesterday and found myself looking at faces.  Fascinated by the differences. Smooth, unblemished , creases and freckles. Made up to perfection and worn, wrinkled tiredness Skin of varying hues and hair of every color and style framing them. I walked the streets of Chicago yesterday and found myself looking at stories. Curious as to why each of us were there. Some with determination in their stride, Blackberries in hand, strain on their faces. Some with lightness in their stride, shopping bags in hand, joy and laughter on their faces. Some with no stride at all, curled in doorways with cardboard signs, nothing in hand, weariness and resignation in their faces. I found myself wanting to stop... wanting to talk... but most of all wanting to listen. To really hear their stories for we all have a story to tell. The hundreds, maybe thousands of people, I passed have a story Full of places, people, trials and joys. We all have a story and in that alone we are similar. It's the details, the differences that make us unique... that fascinate. The contrast between a woman, alone, buying a $1200 coat while a man, alone, sits outside praying for a meal. Knowing that they both had a mother who brought them into this world. Knowing that they both were children who laughed and dreamed. Knowing they both have a compilation of small stories that make up the big story of their life. I wonder what made the differences appear... what details make each of them unique... what events and choices brought them to this place. The similarities...the differences... the fascination.  Linking up with: Just Write~ Extraordinary Ordinary Linking up with: Sunday Citar **All images are from Google Image Search.  None of these are my photos and I would give credit to photographers if I knew how to do that**

Hope Upon Hope

The earth solid, the day before.
Kiss goodbye and see you soon.
Off to school, stores, work, play.

The earth shakes and fear descends.
Waters swirl, smoke arises, buildings fall
Independence washed away in a moment.


Fear, uncertainty, disbelief, horror, shock, grief
Daddies die, mothers mourn, children wail
Life as they knew is changed.


So many dreams gone, dimmed, hidden
In the twisted rubble, churning waters
But hope is there, glowing gently.


Hope is to expect with confidence.
To cherish a desire with anticipation.
Await, hope for, watch for, expect.


Who are they watching out for?
           Watching for you, watching for me
What are they expecting will arrive?
          Expecting compassion, food, water, shelter, warmth
Where will this all flow from?
          Flowing from the land of plenty.

Yes the earth shook, waters raged.
But it's borders disappeared, melted together.
For today we're all one race.

The human race, with faces unique
Hearts beating strong, souls still stirring
We reach out and embrace Japan.

Hope... upon hope... upon hope....fulfilled.



Inspired by:  Making Things Up,~ word of the week was "hope".
                   Six Word Fridays
             
Shared on: Poetry Potluck