The Boy on the news...



Just a note I wrote myself yesterday morning...followed by this poem on the airplane.



I awoke in the morning to watch the news. A nine year old openly weeps on the screen, his father gone, a victim of the WTC/911 tradgedy. Brings me to tears and prayers for this young man. Yes, he meets Joe Torre, Yes he tours Yankee stadium and clubhouse, and gets to toss the ball back and forth to Jason Giambi.

But in a few hours, this too will leave his life, and absence, of his father will once again occupy his memory.



Three hours later, at the airport in Green Bay, I watch as another boy steps into the concourse. "Hi Pops", he says as he smiles broadly, goes to his father, and the two embrace in a hug that brings a smile to my face.

I, just an observer, am heading home in a few minutes, on a plane, where I too will receive the joy that this father just received, and which through the Grace of God, I too will be allowed to witness.



Somehow a smile turns to a tear, as I remember, the boy on the news this morning.







The Boy on the news.



He openly weeps

while others watch,

the camera rolls

almost as if we need to

witness this, with a stamp

of sadness' approval,

for the boy to continue



Oh Dear Boy, I feel so for you

even though, you I do not know,

my prayers ring out,

whispered from my lips,

"Dear Lord please help this boy"

whom this Christmas

will feel no joy

replaced by a silent ache



This Christmas

I am different

seems I feel all of the worlds pain

mine so insignificant

yet I seem to absorb others

as if I were a sponge



From the air, I gaze out the window

high dollar homes line the rivers front

world below looks like little square postage stamps

an envelope covered, yet to be mailed



Suddenly, I see a man with

streams upon his face

tis a sad man, he also

gazes out the window

and as I strain to see him

look at him without his knowing

with a certain sense of familiarity

reflection, I come now to see

the man...as he returns my stare

unaware is he you see...that he is me





Copyright © 2001 Dennis Hicks 12/21/01

View dhicks01's Full Portfolio