The Blind Beggar: Part XVI

The next day at work, Boulos learned more about using the iPad from the Muslim businessman’s son, Khalid.  Boulos believed it could add a new dimension to life but, due to its limitations, he decided not to use it unless he needed to contact Daiwik.  What he wanted was the ability to communicate with Amal.  Boulos asked, “The iPad knows who Mr. Daiwik is but doesn’t know my family members.”

“You want to contact your family.”

“Why not?  Say I wish to contact my mother, Amal.  How would I do that?”

“Your mother is still alive.”

“No, she died when I was young, but my point is, why doesn’t the iPad recognize people I wish to contact.”

“Oh, once you add the contact information for anyone, the iPad can help you contact them.  This iPad only uses wifi so there are some limits but you can send texts or emails to people in your contacts when you have their email or phone numbers.  There are other apps that would allow you to make phone calls too.”

“How do I get this information?”

“You mean contact information?”

“Yes.”

“Just ask for it.  I can help you add people once you get their information.”

“Thank you.  It is that simple?”

“Yes, it is pretty easy.”

While it was nice to know communicating with Amal was still possible, how could he get this information?

Amal and Madhura sat talking and sipping coffee.  As usual, they discussed their herb gardens.  Then the conversation turned to weather.  A cold front had moved into the area.  Madhura was certain Amal would want news of Boulos.  She began, “You know, Boulos has moved into an apartment that is part of the Christian group downtown.  That must make you happy since the weather has been cold.”

Since seeing Ali and actually speaking with him, Amal’s mind was consumed by the thought of being with him again.  She couldn’t betray her feelings.  She simply said, “Yes, it is good he has permanent shelter.  I am very happy for him.” 

Madhura smiled and added, “Daiwik gave him an iPad to contact him if he needs something.” 

Amal reacted to this information.  “Really, can he use it?  How does a blind man feel the smooth screen and use it.”

“Daiwik, showed him how to use the iPad’s assistant so they can send messages.  Boulos can dictate messages and the assistant will read messages.”

“That was very nice of your husband to give the iPad.”

“It was my daughter’s but she doesn’t use it.  At least someone can make use of it.”

Amal pondered the possibilities of communicating with Ali via the iPad.  To be able to talk with him as they did when they were children thrilled her.  She thought to herself how sweet it would be to know his thoughts and share hers. 

Amal’s husband sat at his desk at work thinking about recent events.  He noticed his wife’s unusual behavior.  At first, he only noted she was more quiet than normal.  She was also moody.  It wasn’t until he suggested she take the children to meet the blind man at the maintenance man’s apartment he began to suspect something.  It was then he remembered the approximate start of her odd behavior.  It began when the blind man appeared.  Blind beggars aren’t a normal sight.  Therefore, the timeframe stood out to him.  Still, he couldn’t imagine how the blind man could have caused such problems.  He felt the need to watch his wife closely. 

Teardrop of Light

#INSPIREDBYYOU #PHOTOPROMPT

Teardrop of Light

A child of magic

Because he was different

He was so forlorn

 

He was locked away

Unable to see the world

And he feared his gift

 

Sometimes he made light

Often, he made waters dance

Soon he saw the joy

 

His gift made him glad

And from the joy that he felt

It poured from his heart

 

Still isolated

He made his new creation

A teardrop of light

 

The world saw the light

The beam drew them to the source

Then they saw the tear

 

Hands that understand

There is bitterness to life

Can make such beauty

 

And so the world saw

A man who understood it

The teardrop of light

Copyright Feb 2017 DWP

A New Story: Uncommon Ground

Bob and Marsha agreed to meet for dinner at a favorite restaurant.  Bob arrived first and got a table.  After he was seated, the waitress came and asked for their drink orders.  Bob knew what Marsha normally wanted.  Had this taken place a few days ago, he would have ordered her drink and thought nothing of it.  Things were different now.  If he ordered for her, would Marsha think him presumptuous?

Suddenly, the whole dinner and meeting seemed more difficult than he ever imagined.  It was only a few days ago he walked out on Marsha.  Then the next day, he took all the money.  The talk with his brother made him realize his errors but now it all seemed to be crashing down on him.  More than ever, he was hopeful Marsha genuinely wanted reconciliation. 

When he saw Marsha enter the restaurant, he stood and waved to her.  He felt his heart begin to pound.  He laughed to himself his heart did that when they were young and in love.  Marsha saw him and started walking to the table.  He tried to read her face for a sign of her mood or intentions.  Nothing registered. 

As she was reaching the table, Bob was unsure how to greet her.  More and more, he felt like an ass for his actions.  His gut reaction was to kiss her as he always did but that seemed wrong now.  Instead, he remained standing when she arrived and pulled out the chair for her.  He quietly said, “Hello Marsha.  You look good tonight.”

“Thank ya darlin’.  So do you.”

There was a moment of silence as each fought to find a way to break the ice.  Finally, Bob blurted, “I’ve been an ass.”  He continued speaking but Marsha had to interject, “Yes, ya have.”

“I know and I’m sorry.  I don’t know what happened.  Something inside me just snapped.  It was bad enough I walked out but to take all the money like that.  God, what a stupid, bone headed thing to do.  I can’t apologize enough.  Will you ever forgive me?”

Marsha looked at him for a moment saying nothing.  She was still hurt and angry over the whole incident.  She began by saying, “Ya stabbed me in the back you bastard.  I didn’t’ think anyone would ever hurt me the way you did and you think you can apologize and everything will be ok?”

Bob hoped for common ground and an equal standing with Marsha but again felt he was on the defensive.  He stammered, “Well, no, no.  I don’t think that at all.  For now, I am admitting I was wrong and asking for forgiveness.  I’m not saying things will be easy but am I the only one who thinks we’ve been goin’ through the motions the last couple years?” 

“Ok, fine.  I agree we have just been roommates since the kids moved out but, dammit, how could you do what you did?”

Bob’s defenses were rapidly going up but he didn’t want to make a scene in the restaurant.  He was happy they were in a public place or who knew what would happen?  He remained silent and stealthily looked around to see if anyone suspected the conversation happening in their part of the restaurant. 

Marsha spoke in sharp but even tones.  “You screwed yourself this time mister.  I am going to crucify you.  Do you hear me?  I am going to crucify you.  You left that house like a madman screaming at the top of your lungs that you were leaving.  That was bad enough.  Then you took all the money.  Do you have any idea what that did?  That was the most stressful day of my life and you added to it with compound interest.”

Bob looked downcast and replied, “I truly am sorry, Marsha.  I really am and if I could go back and change it, I would.  What can I do now to make it better?”

“You can go to hell, that’s what you can do." 

The Blind Beggar: Part XV

Two weeks later, Boulos had his own place to live.  It was a small apartment in an office building where a Christian organization rented office space.  They had no need for the apartment since the missionaries, Charles and Rana, got their own place four blocks away following the recent birth of their son.

Once living quarters were established, a Catholic group provided items to furnish the apartment.  Not to be outdone, local mosques began lending assistance in various ways.  On the day Boulos moved in, representatives from each group was on hand to assist in setting up the apartment and getting him settled.  It was chaotic with many bodies moving about and Boulos felt overwhelmed by the noises and newness of it all. 

Finally, one imam spoke up and said, “My brothers, it is good we could all come together to help our friend, Boulos.  We all felt Allah wanted us to do something to help him.  All of us, Muslims, Hindus, Christians overcame our differences to do what we knew in our hearts was right.  I am proud of the good we have done.” 

As the imam spoke, Boulos tried to calm his nerves by focusing on his new surroundings.  He heard the echo of the imam’s voice off the walls and tile floor.  He also heard a humming noise above him and felt the slightest breeze on his skin.  He believed it was a ceiling fan.  All the attention given him was unnerving.  Normally, he was ignored.  When he was noticed, he often received harsh treatment.  Now it seemed everyone wanted to give something to him.

Boulos couldn’t help but wonder if the ones now helping him were doing it to show off their own piety.  While he was grateful to have a home, he feared the many groups represented in the apartment would one day be the cause of him losing the very thing they were now giving. 

He then felt a hand touch his shoulder and a voice whispered into his ear, “Hello, my friend.  It is Daiwik.  I am pleased you will finally have a home.  Don’t worry, my friend.  We will all leave and give you peace soon enough.”  Boulos smiled at his friend’s kindness when Daiwik continued, “Once everyone leaves, I have a gift for you.”

About an hour later, the majority left.  Charles and Rana advised Boulos and Daiwik they would leave the office for the day and left Boulos and Daiwik alone.  Daiwik considered the bewildered young man next to him and said, “Yes, my friend, it is much for you to take in.  Here, this is what I promised you.”  Daiwik placed it into Boulos’s outstretched hand.

Boules felt the smooth glass and aluminum surfaces of the rectangular object and asked, “What is it?”

“It is an iPad.  You have heard of it?”

“Yes, I’ve heard of an iPad before but you know I can’t see.  How am I supposed to use it?”

“I realize there may be some limitations but do you feel a button sized indentation toward the bottom in the center.”  Boulos found it.  “Good, now press and hold it for a moment.”  Boulos did so and heard two beeps and a female voice that said, “Sorry, I missed that.”

“Very good, my friend.  Now, press the button and after the beeps ask what time it is.”  Boulos did so and the voice responded with the time.  Daiwik could sense Boulos was still skeptical. He prompted Boulos again.  “Now push the button and ask to send a text message to Daiwik.”  Boulos did so.  The voice asked, “What would you like to say to Daiwik?”  Daiwik replied, “You can text me anytime.”  The voice confirmed the message and asked to send it.  Then it was sent. 

Boulos next heard a chiming sound and Daiwik retrieved something.  Boulos believed Daiwik was using his phone when he felt the iPad in his hands vibrate and heard a barking noise come from it.  Boulos laughed.  Daiwik said, “My apologies my friend.  It was my daughter’s iPad but she gave it to my dear wife when she married but Madhura doesn’t use it.  Now it belongs to you.  We can change the sounds if you like.”

Laughing, Boulos said, “No, no I like dogs.  I like the barking dog.“

“Very well, my friend.  You can ask for it to read your text messages.  That way, we can communicate if you need something.  I will leave you to your new home.  The gods continue smiling on you, my friend.  You have a home, food in the kitchen and things to cook it with.  Now we must find a wife for you, yes?”  They both laughed and Daiwik exited. 

Boulos felt the smooth surfaces of the iPad in his hands, rubbing his fingers back and forth along the edges.  He pressed the button and asked to send a message to Amal.  The reply was, “I don’t understand ‘A mall.’

Light

Sitting in a dark room, I observe a single candle.  The flame dances on the wick as it burns wax, string and oxygen.  The miracle of illumination draws me in. 

From this tiny, single source, the whole room is lighted.  All eyes in the dark are drawn to light.  They must gaze upon it.  We want to see it.  We must be warmed by it. 

All portions of the room are bathed in in light.  Even the shadows bear witness to the power of the flame.  What is this mighty power I see?  The light pierces the darkness.  It would seem night would overpower the light by sheer volume.  Yet, light cannot be hidden.  It cannot be defeated.  It is no contest.  It reigns supreme.  Darkness can never overcome light. 

A New Story: She Smiled to Herself

Brian loved his brother and he loved Marsha.  With Marsha on the other side of his phone call, he wondered if he would have to choose sides.  Marsha said, “Brian, as you probably know, Bob left.  He just left and cleaned out the bank account.”

“What?  Wow!”

“Now don’t give me that, darlin’.  I know Bob tells you everything.  I wouldn’t doubt if he is standing next to you right now.”  Brian was happy his brother wasn’t.  Marsha continued, “I need you to give him a message for me, will ya?”

“Ok, yeah, sure.”  Brian anticipated a tirade of posturing and threats.  He planned on giving his brother one simple message:  “You’re screwed.”

The tone of Marsha’s voice was what first caught his attention.  Instead of anger, defiance and determination, he heard regret and reconciliation.  “Will ya tell him I’m sorry?  I know I haven’t been a good wife to him.  I do love him and would like to work things out if he is willing.  Can ya tell him that for me?”

Brian was stunned to silence.  Marsha said, “Brian?”

“Yeah, yeah, I’ll tell him.”  Then he added, “Who are you and what have you done with my sister-in-law?”

“Don’t be a jackass, Brian.”

“I know, I’m sorry but you gotta admit, this isn’t normal for you.”

“Well, you just proved to me I’m not the person I should be.  I’m turning over a new leaf.”

“I’ll be sure to tell Bob that too.”

“Now don’t promise anything.  Lord knows I won’t be able to change overnight but I want to take the first steps.”

“Marsha, I gotta admit, I’m surprised.  It makes me happy but I’m surprised.  I hope things work out.”

“Thanks darlin’.  Me too. Thank you.”  Then she disconnected the call and smiled to herself. 

It Is Time To Grow

When external forces bring internal turmoil

Desperation and confusion rule the day

Desires of the heart beat in tandem, stoking the fire

but just what is this puzzle?

Do we give in or fight?

What is better?

What is best?

Where does the answer lie?

Such complexities we cannot absorb

It is beyond our capacity

Yet, slowly, fitfully

the scales are removed

Hearts grow

Souls expand

That piece that once didn't fit

now renders completion

Understanding, peace, and fullness reign 

Copyright 2005 Duane Windell Phillips