They made strange visiting companions –
him and his shaggy-hoofed friend, smuggled in
through the shanty town’s hospice back-door.
The two of them stood by the little boy’s bed
as his small brown hand reached out and stroked
this unlikely creature’s velveteen nose.
Tears stood in Ahmed’s red-rimmed eyes. “His name
is Xavier, son. Do you like him? What do you think?”
Zac, just managed a smile, then drifted back to sleep.
His heart’s desire was to own a zebra. In the grand scheme
of things it wasn’t asking for a lot. All it took, this quest,
was a docile donkey and a spot of black and white paint.
And that all important prayer on the dusty track to town
to ensure, cloudy as it was, it didn’t dare rain. And so
it never did. God sure does move in mysterious ways.
Comments
a.jay | February 10, 2009 - 16:02
beautiful.
socialeaf | February 10, 2009 - 16:47
agreed. very.
MistakenMagic | February 10, 2009 - 17:48
This is amazing Tina. Such a simple yet effective idea ;)
'And that all important prayer on the dusty track to town
to ensure, cloudy as it was, it didn’t dare rain. And so
it never did. God sure does move in mysterious ways.' - brilliant final stanza!
Magic xxx
Kahdai | February 10, 2009 - 18:52
Aaw! That's wonderful I want a zebra now too!
threeleafshamrock | February 10, 2009 - 20:46
Brilliant Tina! Even without the I.P. association, it stands up all on its own; moving and imaginative! Leaves the reader wanting the rest of the story.
Chris X
Nathan Bednarek | February 11, 2009 - 14:38
I agree with all the above. This is a brilliant poem and the final stanza is spellbinding. Well done.
Nathan.
Silver Spun Sand | February 13, 2009 - 13:57
a.jay - I thank you for that:-)
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | February 13, 2009 - 13:58
And thank you for reading and your more than positive comment. Much appreciated:-)
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | February 13, 2009 - 14:00
Magic - you are so right. Usually it is the simple things in life that tend to speak for themselves. Thank you for reading:-)
Tina xxx
Silver Spun Sand | February 13, 2009 - 14:02
Yes - Kahdai, I think I would like one too:-) Shall just have to put up with my little black and white cat, though I suspect.
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | February 13, 2009 - 14:04
You know, Chris - I might tell the rest of the story ... one of these days:-) Thank you for reading and for your empathetic comments.
Tina X
Silver Spun Sand | February 13, 2009 - 14:05
Much appreciate your kind comments, Nathan. Glad you enjoyed it:-)
Tina x