This is not a poem,
it is a public service announcement... *
(i)
As you travel
through this road called life
(and if you should be lucky enough
to meet another kindred spirit):
do not be alarmed
if they tell you
they have a heart
wrapped in a wall of ice or snow.
Unfortunately, this is a common ailment
of our modern age,
but it is not one to be scared of.
And if you should be lucky enough
to have an opportunity
to meet him/her in person,
never (under any circumstances)
pack an ice pick or a blowtorch.
On arrival,
give him/her a small (yet warm) hug
and a quick kiss on the cheek.
And If you like what they are wearing,
complement their great taste in clothing
(but only if you really mean it)...
Thai food helps a lot.
Don't plan anything
(except, if you are offered,
a photo shoot at an exotic location).
Above all else:
Be yourself.
Bring your deodorant,
changes of underwear & socks,
great Kiwi music
and some casual clothing.
(Unless, of course,
you are offered that
aforementioned photo shoot.
Under these circumstances,
bring all the best clothes you own.)
Small inexpensive gifts are a nice touch,
as are drawings
and a few more hugs.
Don't forget to bring
your sense of humour,
even if it is really bad.
Read poetry together,
draw, listen to music,
and...
Most importantly of all...
Smile
at your kindred spirit
if they make you feel safe & comfortable.
Smile lots.
If they smile lots back,
smile at them even more.
Smile until your face muscles hurt.
And still continue to smile.
Remember
to pack your toothbrush.
A good sign that they are on the road to recovery
is that they will
give you a toothbrush,
if you do forget your one.
This is a (very) good sign.
Be patient.
And
remember to...
Always be yourself.
This one bears repeating:
ALWAYS BE YOURSELF.
This is only a guide.
If you think of more things to try,
just make sure
that they are warm,
genuine & sincere.
A few more hugs never hurt.
And maybe (just maybe)
some Crowded House
or early Split Enz.
But,
under NO conditions
kiss them,
even if you really, really want to!!
If you follow these instructions carefully,
your creative friend is
well on the road to recovery.
Just remind yourself
(and each other, constantly)
that
true strength
is delicate.
Upon departing,
leave a candle
(but preferably not one from the $2 shop,
as they don't smell too good).
The ongoing warmth from the candle
(and the smell, if you buy a nice one)
will bring your kindred spirit
to a steady, slow (but full) recovery.
(ii)
As you travel
through this road called life
(and if you should be lucky enough
to meet another kindred spirit
do not be alarmed if they
turn out to be a
"chatterbox"...
If this is the first time you've met,
and they appear to be at an age
where they are of a good heart
and creative and funny and kind;
it may just be that they are (still)
a little shy.
They may appear to have
"an absence of fear"
and a poet's heart / artist's eye.
But inside,
they may be freaking out
at meeting a fellow like-minded freak
so familiar and similar to themselves...
Indeed, they may be nervous
that they have finally met someone
who likes the same things as them.
In short, they probably like you...
A VERY BIG LOT!!!
But there is hope.
There IS a cure for the affliction of "chatterbox"...
If it feels right,
(consult your intuition if you're unsure)
& when they least expect it:
1. Take a deep breath.
2. Wait for them to start chattering again,
and...
3. Kiss them firmly on their lips!!
4. If it feels good, repeat step 3.
5. Continue to repeat step 3.
It should be noted at this point,
if this doesn't stop them talking...
NOTHING WILL!
*Disclaimer:
This is not a public service announcement,
it is a poem...
(c)Brent M Harpur, 2012.
From what I've tasted of desire I hold with those who favor fire.
But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice Is also great And would suffice."
(Robert Frost)
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