Hello there I have a story I would like to tell, I even remember the date, it was day after tomorrow, Nov 7th 2002,
This story starts in the end of summer in 20002 was a bad year for me emotionally, I had just been through one of the most heart wrenching times in my life, ponderances of suicide were all too often daily occurrences, littered with times of staring at the stars on the bow of the vessel I was piloting out at sea, crying tears that seemed to be perpetual and unending as the ocean I was lost upon. Anyways near the end of this years fishing of which was littered with some amazing tales in themselves, it ended abruptly, on the day of my birthday I had a falling out with my skipper, who was determined to prove to me he was worthy of praise and subservient attitude and wanted me to wash and scrub and wax away on his beloved vessel on my birthday, needless to say, being I was not there any longer of my own accord, and he had basically forced my crewmate and myself to stay and fish for nil money months past our verbal contracts date, I refused and made a stand, and was promptly abandoned without pay 1200 miles away from home, which seemed only a typical sort of occurrence on my birthdays for the past 7 years preceding. Well after this happening my crewmate graciously helped me out and made sure I had adequate funds to make it home, knowing full well the skipper was way beyond any legal or moral authority in doing such a thing. But after this occurrence I stayed in a hotel for a day or so, and said my goodbyes to my newfound love of the time, and got on the ole greyhound bus, and it is here,
On this bus, I had a lifetime moving experience.
You see I was feeling incredibly down and depressed, and the trip home was a long one with many stops. On the first stop leaving Eureka Ca, we picked up this man, he was a dirty wrinkled man with ragged clothes, the hippie type if you were to put a label on him, and he promptly sat about 5 seats ahead of me beside this older woman who was well, a bit chubby to say it as kindly as one could. This man he seemed to immediately start talking with her, and I was listening here and there in the background, and while he was talking he got on a subject of diabetes, and my ears perked up, because I had a sister in law who had diabetes and she has it pretty bad, she has to take the shots daily, sometimes twice a day I believe, and well, I love my brother and sister in law quite a bit. Well he was telling this woman of this miracle elixir that helped diabetes, a natural cure, and how it had helped his sister immensely, and I believe it was shortly after this that he woman left, seemed she was being pretty indifferent to this mans concern for her well being, and it was obvious he really was concerned from afar.
By now the bus had cycled through about 8 hours or so and people had come and gone, it had filled and nearly emptied, and we were somewhere north of Gold beach Oregon. For some reason I moved up by him, there was an empty seat across the aisle from him and I told this man of my sister in law, and he became so genuinely concerned, we talked about this elixir, I thought it was this sea silver potion I had heard about a gazillion ads for on the radio, and discussions about the mechanics of how it worked, but he couldn¡¦t recall the name of the product exactly. I was across from him and I moved by him and he reached in his raggy falling apart sea bag, green and old and weathered, and pulled out a pencil and a piece of wrinkly paper from his pocket. All this time I was near him this profuse odor of sweat and tobacco permeated the air around us. It was obvious this man hadn¡¦t bathed and had been smoking roll your own cheap tobacco for some time and the smell, to be honest was not offensive, but it was difficult to smell and accept, quite a horrid stench really. But as I sat beside him, he pulled out this pencil, and his hands, his hands I will never in a thousand years forget, he took this wrinkled paper out of his wallet filled with old wrinkly business cards, and on top of it he placed the pencil, and his hands froze and were shaking, as he was grasping for all his being for the name of this wonderful product, that in his mind, was the answer to my sister in laws woes, it was obvious he was growing upset at his memory blockage, and I looked at those hands, tobacco stained on the fingert tips, and rank in odor, wrinkled and dark tanned and weathered, and I started to cry inside. I thought to myself, this man, he was in his 50¡¦s it appeared, I bet this man was a genius, had seen so many things, the places and knowledge that had passed through his mind, and I just thought, that could very well be me I am looking at, homeless on a bus, trying to help a stranger who I only had known for minutes, searching as deep inside as I may, to find that bit of knowledge to make this persons life better, and those hands, the shaking, the weathering, the tobacco stains, I thought, I very well could be talking to a man who is Christ like, Angelic, a man whom God was pleased with, I dunno, all I know, is this man, he touched me like no other person I had ever met, either before, or after, a stranger, who cared so much, he shook and shivered to collect every bit of who he was for me, and well, I could only think, they said Christ was a carpenter, this man had carpenter¡¦s hands, and he had the heart of an angel, and I do not know his name, and it makes me want to cry ƒ¼, so this, is what all I can recall of the man whom I met on the bus, the day after my birthday, in 2002, after a dismal year at sea, and a broken heart, I found an angel, and I just pray so often, he is resting warm, and safe, and that he is allowed to feel the love he showed me that day, when I really needed a helping hand, it was there, this man was one of the most beautiful people I had ever met and I don¡¦ t know how to end the story, I just pray and hope and wish and keep this nameless man in my prayers, always.
Author notes
yeah I know, not a poem, but the contest just struck a chord, 
I needed to babble 
LOL
Written November 6th, 2003
A contest entry
- The Homeless by Painted Poet.
350 points, ended November 16, 2003, 29 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 22 of 22
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now, let me get this straight...
you were piloting a boat. you were lost at sea. why does this not surprise me? lol
awww, you had to work on your birthday? get real! almost everyone has to do that, whine a little more why don't you?
ok, so the general idea of the story is... you met a homeless guy on the bus and he said he had a miracle cure for your sister-in-law but couldn't remember the name of it.
you've got to be kidding me. are you so gullible? wait, what am I saying? sure you are. only someone as gullible as you could actually believe the arguments you use in the boards.
and to take it a step further, you profess to have had an insight onto this mans character. I think your deepest insight was into the smell of him.
all of this combined with your usual and expected misspellings and grammar mistakes makes for a hilarious write. you should be a comedian! -
Impressive and intense write. I believe you saw the essence of this man, something many may never perceive. This observing nature that feeds the awareness in your soul is a gift that most people have cast away along with other innate blessings and treasures bestowed on us, while embracing the worthless and useless properties this illusion persistently promotes. You probably found it hard to end this story because it simply never ends. The unselfishness and eagerness to help of this man will never part from you again. And so, by the intricate interference of Creator, the heartless act of your skipper lead you to a situation that profoundly influenced your life, your thinking and feeling in a positive way. You could have raged and sworn when this injustice happened to you, but after you did not, this occured. Sharing this story may teach each of us a lesson of life. Thank you & take care,
Rage
Edited on Apr 26, 8:05 because 'typos'. -
woohoo Joey!
This gave my neck and back those shivers of a good movie! And even brought a tear to my eyes!
Thankx for sharing this write!
It was lovely of this stranger to talk with you and to know that some1 could touch so many others, and not have a legg to stand on (so to speak) Wonderful story! And nice outcome! ALways caring for this nameless stranger, thats why I love you so much. And so Glad and proud to say you're my BROTHER
XOXO Veronica -
Angels come in many forms and what a blessing to come across one on the bus~What a privilege to receive a touch from someone who had been through more than I could even imagine~This Angel takes the time to give you what you had searched high and low for~The right place at the right time~Beauty possessed on the inside~
I loved this story and it put a huge smile on my face~I wish I could have been there~Thank you for sharing this story Joey~Appreciate YOU and ALL you do
~Big hugs 
and much love~Desire
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joe, ye need to stop makeing me cry!
truly, we believe ngels to be of a shineing white, and infailable, but i tell ye that true angels, are the ones that fall far enough to touch us. the ones that will gi' all of themselves, even when they 'ave so precious little for themselves. how observent of ye to see this mans wings, through the dirty appearence.
'and his hands, his hands I will never in a thousand years forget,'
there are names i willna remember in time, and faces that are blurred, but oh, i can well remember a pair of hands that once reached for me, and thoe they werna claen, and they shook, they are nothing short of pure love. and i remember them this day, as clearly as when i say them. joe, ye write beautifuly, and reach deep into this lasses heart. i love ye more then anything.
arden -
Excellent
Everyone finds an Angel when they need one...excellent story, Joey, thank you.
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humblesness does bemuse you Joey and I am certain when you need an Angle in your world you will find another one that will warm your heart inside and make you ponder what it truly is in life that is so important....
great story
thanks for sharing with us all
Tamara
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I read this a while ago and came back to read it again. It's a very heartwarming story and perfect for Thanksgiving. Funny how those with the least to give are often the most generous, isn't it?
Thanks again,
Mark -
This actually happened did'nt it!!! You told me about this whole situation months ago!!! Beautiful people can come in different packages don't they!!! Becareful who you entertain for they may be angels! ~Laura /
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Now this was a very touching story, and I'm glad you took the time to share about this man, he does sound so interesting...
I think you are one of the sweetest souls I ever cam e across myself, and just to think, we will meet one day in the powdery skies, in the sweet by and by's where we can finally get a chance to really chat, that will be a blast indeed. I'm longing for this day so badly, though I must try and keep myself focused a bit here as well, fun, fun, as I'm sure you're aware of, lol...
I wonder if you're an angel at times, because you surely have the heart of one me thinks. I'm really sorry that your sorrows have got the best of you, but looking at your work here, me sees you always pull through, I guess your faith has made you whole my friend, or atleast it's helped you through some rough times, and the compassion you hold within your heart, not many hold, I'm sure of this, just by living in this world of lost hope, I know that people like you make it worth living, believe me on this.
I could go on and on, for I truly have been missing you, sorry I haven't stopped by earlier, you always are such an honest soul, and I enjoy the openness you share here, may God continue to keep you within the grasp of His loving and caring hands, much love brother Joe, always my pleasure!
-Timothy -
Now this story was really touching Joe. Not only the story itself but the way you told it. You told it with geniune care and you let us know that this experience moved you.
I do not think this man was an angel though Joe and I will tell you why. I think he was just a man that may have looked different than the rest of us but because you took the time to see the beauty and the fact that he was concerned for others, well, he seemed an angel to you. Maybe so because maybe, maybe you wouldn't have paid much attention if he were not speaking about something that was close to your heart or maybe if you didn't have empathy for him at that moment because you felt in a similar place as him, maybe otherwise you wouldn't have noticed. I think this person may have been placed in your path for a reason yes indeed. I think he was just a kind man who happened to not have a home...
What I like is that you break barriers with this and destroy stereotypes of what a 'homeless' person ought to be. Not everyone learns this lesson. I know this man was just a man and not an angel because I have met many, many like him, so I am sure of it
I hope that doesn't make me sound cynical or anything but I believe anything in life can touch us. It is possible for a 'homeless' person to touch us~~ to radiate that beauty without being heaven sent
You know that too or you wouldn't have written this~~ I think this is your way to show people that may not know that lesson that it is possible
You told this story beautifully. Your sensitvity honestly shines in this
~~Dawn
Edited on Nov 18, 10:13 p.m. because 'shoot!'.
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I enjoyed this story very much. it reminded me of a man that used to sit on a bench outside our library with a sign around his neck. I shared my lunch with him several times throughout the summer and then he dissappeared I still think about him. There have been times I wondered if he wasn't an Angel in disguise. I pray for the man I met too.
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Oh my.... This is beautiful! I can see why you were moved. We dont
have homeless people in my city (that I've seen) - LUCKILY! You
have a beautiful heart, Joey! Happy belated birthday!!!! Luv yah!
Good luck in the contest
Jen
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When two angels meet...they see and touch each other, beyond the looks...beyond the broken wings...
We need to read more of these....and if you could babble longer, i'm more than willing not only to read but also to learn.
Joe...thank you for sharing. Hugs and bless you for being more than a poet. -
I really enjoyed this story. it lightens my heart to see other share my compassion. We are all in this together and the sooner we realize this the better off we all would be. Keep reaching out and keep taking in. Peace. Amber.
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I was deeply moved by this story Joey
Does it have to rhyme to be in a contest?????? Unless otherwise stated you should post this......very touching and heartfelt
Thank you for sharing this one with us hun
I loved it
Good luck in the contest sweetie
I got up some new ones drop by and see me too won't you?
Luv ya
Susan~~~
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The ability to truly see lies within us all and yet so many fail to do so. This story really touched me in many different ways, I'm so glad you posted this. Good people are hard to fnd and her YOU are
ohhh and honey, don't get worried about my darker poems, they are only poems sweetie, I'm okies, in love and happy, no worries there but that you for caring sooo much luv ya for it
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The homeless, that is sometimes all they have left to give is what they know' Joe
This line stuck in my mind all throughout pondering this write
a man who is Christ like, Angelic, a man whom God was pleased with
I know when ever i have felt closer to God was went i was down and out.. Because one is forced to realize what really is important to them in life.. that is why God taught Us not to live beyond Our means' because it's so easy to lose site of this..
You felt this way because God's teachings were that of being humble
Not' to be boastful, Not' to be greedy, Not' to put the almighty dollar before him or your fellow humans
OC i dont believe he wanted Us living on the street by no means
but NOT striving, pushing everything and everyone aside losing site of one's values to get to the top
If everyone could just take a few moments and step back and look at themself.. kind of like you did in this experience
and stop being so darn' self centered.. what a better place this world would be because of it..
Joe this story touched my heart' We need more Hearts like yours in this Big old World.. and maybe then there wouldn't be any homeless
So glad you wrote this Hon* What a wonderful story!
"A VERY inspirationally piece" Good Luck in the contest Sweety!
I truly enjoyed reading this Hon ..
Much' Love to YOU Always`~ Jo Jo ~~Mina
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A great chord at that…
Thanks so much for
Entering my contest
=PAINTED=
Edited on Nov 10, 1:34 because ''. -
The ability to see beyond a persons "today" is a gift we are all offered, but most of us refuse to accept. You have a generous heart my friend... Very nice story of a life affecting moment.
Hugs..and Happy Birthday!
Mary Ann -
How many times, have others come across situations such as the one you described here..without a second thought as to why..who..etc?
This was so so touching..the depth of emotion you show with your words just pours out with each line..and the fact you looked on this man as an angel..Christ-like...just blew me away..so seldom do people think like this anymore
I was touched very deeply by this write..although a story & not poem it conveyed a message i wish all would take to heart & live by..
You babbled beautifully..thank you for that
God Bless You & yours
much love & peace
~Pamela
thanks to Gypsy for the reminder..i was caught up in the emotion of your story..lol... *HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU ,JOEY*
Edited on Nov 06, 9:57 because ''. -
A beautiful heart can see beyond the ragged exterior. Two people can see the same person and see such totally different things, and just as you remember him, he probably also remembers the young man that took an interest in what he had to say that day a year ago.
According to the story.. so much to be learned... and one of them is this: HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOEY!!! and blessings for being able to see past the exterior.
Gypsy
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