Talking to the Wind

Free Preview Just one of the many poems you will find in the book Portrait of a Man Just one look upon this face and one can see the story of a weary existence. Each white hair reflects a hard lesson learned and the wisdom gained from it. The receding hairline from struggles to survive in an ever-changing world. Those wrinkles along the forehead from years of raised eyebrows questioning the absurdities in life, and the frowns from deep thoughts and disappointments over things said or done in anger. These once bright blue eyes-- faded, sunken and sad from the tragedies and injustice witnessed being in the right places at the wrong times-- swollen from the tears shed over lost loves, deaths and indifferences. The crow’s feet on each side and the dark bags underneath show the labors and burdens of a life lived in crisis. This crooked nose and damaged lip are from putting up a good fight when necessary. Ragged ears that have heard more than they should have, yet not enough to know all that’s needed. Hollowed checks from concern and strife, worrying over family and friends. A face worn-out from years of exposure to the cold, wind, rain and sun doing thankless jobs no one else wanted to do. Stubble along a rugged chin revealing age, character, resolve and fortitude. When one looks at this face, they see a portrait of a man who has endured more than one’s share of sorrows, who has been through hell and back again and again. A face that despite its appearance is still full of hope, love, faith and kindness. Once having looked at this face, one has seen a face only a mother and God could love or understand.