Beauty Unseen ~ a true story
©copyright 2005 Bonita M Quesinberry
I remember so well that day six years ago,
one many times o'er I'd have to speak.
MS was having its way in my legs and back:
as I boarded a bus, the pain deep.
Still, I mused, I must keep the appointment they've set,
as I wearily took a near seat.
I had always been blessed to think no bigotry,
a gift seeing through human facade;
and, was reminded of a hidden description
when a young man stepped aboard that day.
He was tall and brown skinned, his hair short and kinky.
Fellow riders snapped their heads away.
With my eyes I saw a black man's multiple face;
one side collapsed, the other flawless:
marred more than any man, his strong body hunchbacked.
Though thus born, inside surely faultless;
for his black eyes glowed brightly with such tenderness.
Nay, just those around him were tactless.
Repeatedly, I was moved to glance with a smile.
I simply could not turn from this guy;
wanting badly to speak, words bounding through my mind:
a desire to lift him to the sky.
Oh, how I wanted to say, "You're so beautiful . . .
just like Christ," I would add with a sigh.
I prayed, "Lord, should I tell him what I see in heart,
or just smile and utter not a thing?"
At that moment, the bus stopped at another stand.
God's "No" was this young man departing.
I gave my brightest smile as he rose from his seat,
my heart on display . . . I was hoping.
What we see with our own eyes amounts to nothing,
as what we hear is not always true;
so are the appearances of those around us.
For all we know, they are angels, too.
Heed not to what you see upon any surface:
underneath is where truth awaits you.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"'I am small and black, as black as Kedar's tents
and Solomon's curtains, wonderfully made in secret . . .'
His body is deformed and face marred more
than any man, nothing beautiful about His parts
to cause anyone to follow Him. Many turn away
from looking upon Him, considering Him cursed
by God; but, He would die for many."
Our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!
Isaiah 52:14; 53:2-3,5-6;
Solomon 1:5; Psalm 119:141; 139:15
In a list
A contest entry
- but... by PrabhuDayal Khattar.
400 points, ended March 7, 10 entries
Silver trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Ignore surface beauty; for the truth is beneath the flesh.
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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Well you are quite mature to hold the truth in the pen itself..bringing its image by the poetry of yours..thank you so much...
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Thank you so much, dear friend, for the most encouraging words AND for that little silver trophy! I'm always amazed when this happens; perhaps, becauseI don't consider myself a poet: just one of God's Handmaidens doing her duty.
Much luv & hugs, BonQ
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This is a marvelous story of fortitude and courage; of openness and deferring to God. Thank you for being the type of person who wishes to reach out to others even if it may not be reciprocated. People are who they are; we have such a long way to go. Although no one but God knows what your inviting smile and warmth did for that man, your willingness to defer judgment was very admirable. A moving story indeed. I wish you the best in the contest.
AsIThink...
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wow this is a great peice of poetry with an amazing message of tolerance and love, it's just beautiful, wow, best of luck in the contest
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Thank you, hon. The young man was so beautiful to me.
Luv & hugs, BonQ
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