This is a story about destiny,
The story begins in search of a key.
“It’s lost”, she said. “I don’t know who to phone”,
“Please help me”, she sobbed. “I live all alone”.
I was 19, a student at the time,
Cycling in the dark it was well past 9,
She stepped into my path and made her plea,
I wonder to this day why she chose me.
A few seconds on I had calmed her down,
As if by magic, her key was soon found.
Some minutes later I sensed there was more,
So key in my hand, I opened her door.
“My son”, she said, “hasn’t been for a while”,
It was clear to see she was in denial.
For her flat was a mess and freezing cold,
From top to toe, it was covered in mould.
With cupboards bare she was woefully thin,
That she lived like this was a dreadful sin.
Short on experience, I had no clue,
But instincts kicked in, I knew what to do.
I vowed to return which lifted her mood,
I cycled back with a week’s worth of food.
My house mates advised me not to go back,
To phone the council, let them take the slack.
I phoned them as well they had to be warned,
They never phoned back to keep me informed.
I went back and forth much like a good son,
Some weeks later, I thought, my job is done.
Then one day on Queen Street she walked right past,
Only this time, our meeting was by chance.
Looked well she did but she scuttled away,
And I went about enjoying my day.
How we treat others reveals who we are,
Whether we learn is the question by far.
Not long after that my guess is she died,
But she’s stayed in my thoughts, proud to have tried.
* * * * * * * * * * *
This “Time4Good” category is inspired by my latest business venture. I believe life is richer when we help our friends and neighbours.