"more than a glance"

'This' does not happen often -  by this, I mean when words come tumbling out in the semblance of a poem.  My usual form of creative endeavour is through writing or a painted image.  But, a few days back travelling along the snowy avenue between home and the university, students braving the cold... these were my thoughts.  Not sure where they came from or where they will go - they just are.

I'm out in the cold,
My cap pulled down,
Muffled and gloved
I stomp the ground.

Alone in my self
Alone in the crowd
No one to care,
Alone - yet proud.

Just one smile
But you turn your face to the side.
Just one glance catching my eye might
be all it takes
to give me hope,
to say that I'm here.
Just one glance,
would it say that you care?

But my eyes are cast down
I dont want to see.
It will take more than a glance
to awaken me....

My first reaction was - how desolate!  Then, I thought that sometimes we think a glance, catching someone's eye, a smile will somehow validate and encourage another...and I believe these are immensely important for that very reason.  But, lately I was reminded that a glance or a smile simply may not be enough or it may not be the right thing.

While on retreat last week I began to read Esther de Waal's, "Lost in Wonder" and came across this quote from an ode by Pablo Neruda.  While he speaks of touching things such as utensils, fabric, things crafted by human hands the words reminded me of how I sometimes touch others. I remembered gently touching on the shoulders two ladies deep in conversation with one another - both obviously moved and near tears.  I think my touch was meant to say, "I see, I care, and I befriend you in your grief - but I will respect you and not intrude upon your togetherness."

"Many things gave me completeness
They did not only touch me
My hand did not merely touch them,
but rather,
they befriended
my existence."

Queen's House, October 2011- view from my window of the snow laden trees and bushes

Queen's House, October 2011- inspired by the view from my window of the river and beyond