The Good of the Poor
About 1981 or 82, I sat in a cold church in Detroit, Michigan. I pulled my coat around me, barely noticing the cold, entranced, instead, by the strong voice of a diminutive woman clothed in just a white sari with blue edging. Fearlessly she proclaimed the need for more care for the poorest in our community, and she had the right to do so, as she was opening a shelter for the poorest in Detroit. Outside, winter winds howled. Within, I questioned how I could do more in my own mission of nursing the impoverished elderly.
After her talk, those of us who were engaged in such service were led to the basement for a reception. There, we had the opportunity to meet and greet Mother Teresa, one-by-one. The warmth of her words and her hug have remained with me, sometimes encouraging, sometimes chiding. I recall them now with deep gratitude.
Four tiny swallows
hound a lurking hawk—
winter desert sighs.
This week for dVerse Monday Haibun, Kim would like to have a take a look at handwriting of famous people. I have chosen that of Mother Teresa and am including a snippet of an analysis of her handwriting which fits my experience.
“Mother Teresa may have been diminutive in size, and shy of personality, but this sample shows that when she wanted something done, she found a way for it to be done. ” To read the full article, follow the link HERE.
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Powerful experience brought back to life in such a wonderful Haibun.
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What a lovely encounter, and with an amazing woman. XXX
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Thank you for sharing this story.
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such a rare experience and I feel she gave you a deeper understanding of selfish love. This haibun uplifts my spirit this morning. Thank you for sharing a very personal memory.
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Wow–what an experience! Lovely haiku, too.
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That is so wonderful that you got to meet her.. her story inspired so many around the world.. growing up in India, I grew up admiring her strength, her passion to help…
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wow, that’s pretty awesome that you got to meet her. Not because she was famous so much as because she is one of those people who committed totally to doing good and in times like these when some leaders do not think about the greater good, it’s good to remember there are people like her.
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A really lovely post, Victoria. Lovely to read your reflections on Mother Theresa.
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Reblogged this on Frank J. Tassone and commented:
#Haiku Happenings #2: Victoria Slotto’s latest haibun for #dversepoets and my current #Haikai Challenge!
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I think I misinterpreted the prompt. Oh well. I love that you had the opportunity to meet this dear servant of God and people. Thank you for sharing.
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Aww. A beautiful and heartwarming take.. ☺️
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How nice that you got to visit with Mother Theresa. I love your story. Her writing is very interesting. Open yet structured and consistent just like she was all her life.
Great Haiku
Dwight
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A wonderful experience to be in her presence, and her handwriting cleverly presented to us with this unique challenge! Thank you.
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What a wonderful experience Victoria. I can imagine the warmth of her love in that memorable hug, and understand why it stays with you, a comfort to be sure.
Anna :o]
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Meeting such an icon-fulfilling her purpose- must have been surreal.
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I can see how such an experience would stay with you. That must have been something. Interesting haiku, I’m still rereading it😊. Love the pulling together of the piece with the sample of her hand writing.
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That must have been an amazing experience. Thank you for sharing it. I loved this glimpse into your life.
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I can see how that would have been a memorable meeting.
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One thing I would never associate with Mother Teresa is writing. This was unexpected. Love the haiku 🙂
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To have been close at such a person… and love how you made her handwriting enter in the afterwords only.
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This is what I love about haibun: wonderful anecdotes that tell me interesting things about not only the writer but also other people, places and events. I had never seen Mother Theresa’s handwriting before, and how fantastic to have met the ‘diminutive woman clothed in just a white sari with blue edging’, known to the world as Mother Theresa.
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What a privilege to listen to Mother Teresa and meet her in person! Her handwritten note reveals an encouraging and engaging spirit.
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A blessing indeed. I like the way you waited until the second paragraph to reveal her. I would cherish that hug forever as well. Her dedication and fearlessness is such an inspiration.
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Love this, Victoria! How would you like to post it to my #Haikai Challenge? 😉
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