His Secret Window
Beside where the willow tree lives at the corner,
Stands a square wooden house with a high wooden porch.
Inside there is a man who could not go outside of it.
How I came to know him is the story I want to tell.
I walk each morning and as I passed by his house
I noticed a front window half covered with vines.
At first, here and there, I saw him warily gazing out.
These were the times our eyes started to meet one another.
He would look down quickly then and soon disappear.
I had found myself walking ever slower past,
As he came to stay longer behind his veil of green vines.
We became more familiar and ready for the moment.
I had thought what I saw was a ghost of a man,
The longing in his eyes kept drawing me to him,
And he, drawn to my comfort in the freedom of outside.
This constancy went on for a time between him and me.
I began to wonder more and more about him.
I began to wonder what I could do to help.
I began to see in his eyes that this is what he wished.
I began to see that his secret window was dirty.
On that special morning instead of passing by,
I thought to stop on the sidewalk across from him.
He was there as had been, but this day looked very startled.
I went to him, to his window where he hid with the vines.
But I smiled and he moved closer into view.
Being so close with the thin glass in the middle,
Still keeping his gaze, I lifted my hand up and towards it.
And slowly, I wiped off the dirt of his fearful vision.
His eyes widened and then he smiled shyly back.
When I walked away, it was behind me I heard,
The knob turned and the door creaked open and there he stood.
I watched happily but he paused and started to close it.
His trust now gained, as I outstretched my hand to him,
He grabbed it and taking one step and then some more,
Until he was able to feel free, under the sun’s warmth.
Breathing it in, his eyes were shining and he was outside.
Though I still pass by his house each and every day,
He now meets me at the same time on the sidewalk.
And from that day to this, he looks forward to his outing.
For from that day to this, my walks are with him beside me.
© 2010 Sarah Donnellan
All Rights Reserved, Text & Image
Inspiration: I was inspired by fellow Inferno writer, Ann Field’s story, Restless Tuesday for the ‘Restless’ theme. Sometimes all it takes is a small gesture of help that can make all the difference in someone else’s life.
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These were both done for the most recent theme, 'The Secret Window'. Please visit other member's work at The Artist Challenge and The Inferno.
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