Moondustwriter Thursday- Random Acts of Kindness

Today in the United States we celebrate Thanksgiving. Happy Thanksgiving to those of you in the US.

Thanksgiving means different things to different people. One thing that rings loud and clear for most is relationship; relationships include fellow workers, neighbors, friends, family. Whether you are in the United States, Ukraine, or Madrid, we need each other. I hope this story , in a small way, gives you a moment to reflect and be thankful for what you have and for the people in your life. I am thankful for each of you.

Random Acts

She awoke with color streaming through her window. "How could it be a better day? she mused. "The plans for my marriage to the love of my life are underway; today I am beginning my new job after my unexpected promotion, and the sun is shining. She pulled into the driveway at her regular coffee kiosk.

"How can I share my happiness?" she wondered. Quickly fussing through her purse, she pulled out her wallet. The only paper she had was her new business cards.

"Hope this day is full of sunshine - hope you can shed some into the another's life." She quickly wrote on the back of the card. As she pulled up to the barista, she pointed behind her "Please put that man's purchase on my credit card."

"Do you know him?" The barista smiled.

"No not at all. I just wanted to share the best day of my life with someone. Oh and please give him this card. Have a fantastic day," she smiled as she drove off with her latte.

"What's this?" Maxwell grumbled. Looking up at the barista, he was handed his scone, coffee, and a business card. "Sunshine -ha! In my life?? Pass it on...?" As he drove off he thought, "Maggie would have loved it if I could help one person today. Maybe I should."

"If this day, if this life doesn't get any better than it's the end for me the pre-med student sighed. I just can't go on. What is the point of life if I can't help people. Why was I given this mind? Why the rejections?" As he was given his double shot, he didn't even notice the barista's flirty smile. He certainly didn't hear her say "have a great day." His demeanor was torrential. Society doesn't need the likes of me." He thought sadly but with resignation of the handgun stowed in his top drawer - ready.

"Please show the applicant in," Dr. Stowell said on his squawk box. He looked at the picture of his wife of 45 years. She smiled back. "I wish you were here darling."

"I am", he heard a whisper in the wind. The air was more than still; yet there had been a gentle rustle in the leaves of the tree just outside.

"Then I will try to help someone today. In your honor, my dear."

"You always had a big, generous heart Maxwell," was the faint reply.

"Dr. Stowell, thank you for seeing me this morning" the tall,handsome, dark-haired student said as he shook the dean's hand. Stowell read something in this man's countenance. "What is it Maggie?"

"His heart is broken; his spirit thwarted with defeat Maxwell." The dean of the Medical School had done his homework. He had one unexpected opening for the entering class. A minority student would balance the entering class. The applicant was Native American. "Tell me why you want to be a doctor?" Dean Stowell asked. Daniel Brushwood was a bit taken aback. He was ready to share his grades, internships, etc. "Doctor Stowell I grew up on the reservation. My teachers saw that I was a smart boy and got government funding to send me to a College Prep for High School. While there, I excelled in Science. One year when I was home, my grandmother got very sick and died. They didn't have the care she needed. I asked why??? We just didn't have enough doctors or money. I vowed I would be a heart surgeon to help people who didn't have the money to pay for their care. I may never bring this institution recognition for the awards I get or the papers that are published but I would bring recognition for humanity."

"Ah- so the other schools won't take you because of your desire to be a humble servant to your people???"

"I guess so sir."

"Then let me tell you - this institution needs some humanity infused into it's haughty, dusty ivy system. Please go to our Financial Aid office to have them put together a generous scholarship package. Welcome to Medical School Dr. Brushwood."

***

Tears were streaming down the "sunshine girl's" face. Her mother had a heart condition that required surgery. Her dad had lost his job and subsequently the health insurance had to go. Becky called hospitals, agencies, the like.The economy was bad. No one had the money to help. Her last hope was to approach a doctor rather than an institution. She had a list. A very small list. She looked at the first one; he was known to be the best in the country. "Yes I am trying to reach the doctor regarding a special request: it's for my mother who won't live if she doesn't have the surgery. Time is running short."

"This is Doctor Brushwood, I have reviewed your mother's records her success rate is high if she has the surgery. We have her scheduled next Wednesday for pre-op."

Dr. Stowell, now retired, smiled at Maggie's picture.
" I just read in the paper that another life was saved by our boy, Daniel. Maggie you always knew how to pick 'em. Did you write that card that day my dear?"

Photography: by my favorite One Shoot featured photographer Terence Jones http://www.flickr.com/photos/terence_s_jones/4844779423/sizes/m/in/photostream

"Random Acts" a short story by Leslie Moon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.
Permissions beyond the scope of this license may be available at http://moondustwriter.com.

One Stop Poetry: A Poetic Monday!

Hello everyone!

Today's Monday finds us with a slight change of pace. This week I'm your host - Chris Galford - so Brian Miller, who usually handles our Monday Spotlights, can have a little time with the family. He deserves it, work-a-holic that he is!

I know you're used to seeing a spotlight here at the start of your week, but to open the Thanksgiving week, which is a major holiday celebration in America, I would like to share with you a picture and a poem of the season. I hope you enjoy, and happy holiday to all those celebrating Thanksgiving!

"The First Thanksgiving," by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris (1863–1930)

Of Turkeys and Bounty
(By Chris Galford)

A cornucopia, all for me,

how thankful is the blind man

to the fruits of his fair nothing—

the greenery, grown, beneath the

scarlet massacre-flood

through the sky, the day

the men in their wide-brimmed hats

forgot the sea, learned the barrel

no one ever looks the same

behind the sights.

A turkey stuffed

with all the hands, the hammers,

unsung ringings in the deep

lightly smelling of the smoke,

the factories that brimmed with weary souls,

to bring the table to the meal,

to bring the car that brought the people—

smoking still the stilling rifle,

that bought and held and earned

the right to live, to dine,

the right to never know the pain

of making—foundations

in a crowded horn, this overflowing

but the end, not the means.

No oven fire burns so hot

could give the soul,

we dine upon tonight.

Not the usual fare for the Thanksgiving season, but I hope you enjoyed it all the same?

For those among the rest of our global audience, a word on Thanksgiving:

Thanksgiving is an annual tradition in the United States, tracing itself as far back as 1863. The basis for the event occurred even further back, though, in 1621, when the Pilgrims of the Plymouth Colony held a three day celebration - including a harvest feast - to give thanks for food given to them by local Native American tribes, which enabled them to survive the harshness of their first winter ashore in America.

Though the celebration originally began with more religious overtones, the day has since grown into a secular, national holiday largely based around the concept of spending time with one’s family, and giving thanks for all that has come to you in the past year. The government, as well as most businesses, close down in honor of the day, and the Thanksgiving weekend is one of the busiest travel periods of the year. Turkey is a staple of the day itself, while stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie, and a host of fall vegetables are also commonly associated with most Thanksgiving dinners.

Thanksgiving is also traditionally a time of great care in local communities, many of which (as well as churches, businesses, and charity organizations) set up annual food drives for the occasion, to provide a Thanksgiving meal to the less fortunate.

Now a question for my fellow Americans among our audience today: what is your favorite part of Thanksgiving - your favorite memory?

Moondustwriter's Thursday - guest featuring Matt Zaretsky

Welcome to another MDW Thursday.

Today I am honored to feature another star 

Matt Zaretsky

I met Matt a few months on Twitter. What a great place for introductions. I asked Matt how he got introduced. He told me the generic way "studying poetry and writing in class." Then something happened he started keeping a personal journal where poems came to life. His creative expression has grown from there.

"I like poetry as a form of art in that I can express myself freely. The only rule is that there are none. If I am going through rough times Or a bad day, poetry helps me get things off my chest when talking to someone simply doesnt cut it. The pen and paper are always loyal No matter what which is why I love go write because I always can. I applied early decision to sarah Lawrence college where I hope to get accepted and get an MFA degree in creative writing. The. I want to Get accepted into NYU Grad school and major in creative writing and take master classes taught by one of my favorite authors Susan Orlean."

Heart grinning

In the shower singing

Starts in my toes

Then the feeling goes.

Through my back

Tickles my ears

When I’m with you I have no fears

A walk with you

I wouldn’t miss for a thing.

I’m starting to think this is a really weird fling.

Cause we’ve been at this point before

At least a few times.

I’ve tried hard against it but this I am sure..

You are the girl I care for and adore.

I’m not saying I want you to be mine and me yours.

But lets take a chance, a drive, and explore.

Lets take a walk we’ve got plenty time to spare.

When you fall I’ll catch you ‘cause I’ve already been there.

We can take a trip to the beach or the shore.

And talk about school, the bitches and whores.

Its up to you

No stress.

We all have days when we are a mess.

If you were to know one thing please know that…

I’ll always be able to cheer you up..

With Harley, Boey, Casey, and Max the cat.

Next week we will celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States. Here is a Thanksgiving Acrostic by Matt.

To whom it may concern,

His name must not be said.

At the family thanksgiving feast

Nobody mentions him but we all

Know the gorilla in the room all too well.

You are not here with us

On this day we give our regards. For

Until you bring yourself together you don't belong.

The Real Me

The real me wouldn't take the easy way out.

But he did.

The real me wouldn't yell at his father and mother.

But he did.

The real me wouldn't have got in that car.

But he did.

The real me wouldn't have been arrested.

But I did.

You may have noticed we have done several poetry features of young people aka teens. We believe that creative writing is a great expression. As our illustrious friend David Wilkins said last MDW Thursday, writing is one good way to express anger, fear etc rather than internalizing that emotion and self-destructing. If you know youth who are exploring creative writing , please send them our way.
Places you can find Matt:

http://matty5z.livejournal.com/
http://www.helium.com/users/592236/show_articles
Twitter @matty5z

Just so you know: Next Thursday in the US is Thanksgiving. Our favorite day (along with Super Bowl) to sit and eat alot. The part I have loved, since I was a child, was being together as a family (well the home baked pies were a winner too). Next Thursday I would like to put up a montage of Thanksgiving Poetry.  (that includes anyone writing about what they are thankful for.) If you want to either link a poem in or send to our email: oneshotpoetry@gmail.com we can have a day to reflect on what we have (jobs, family, another day of life.) I am thankful for each of you and the outpouring of support.