159. On Fire (A Dream)

I was awakened this morning by a dream I'd like to share with you.

I saw a homeless man on fire
by that I mean he was ablaze
Oblivious to his condition
asleep he was and in a daze

I rushed to offer my assistance
and used his clothes to out the flame
Then splashed him full and whole with water
lest heat from it should scorch or maim

Now drenched and soaked and fully wakened
none wiser to his almost fate
Mistook my act of human kindness
to be an act of callous hate

He chased and cursed me through the streets
now pelting me with rock and word
For so intent on retribution
my explanations went unheard

But to my protests he soon listened
then saw his charred and smoldered clothes
The dream ends there without conclusion
what does this mean do you suppose?

On Fire
Walt’s Life Rhyme #159
© Walt F.J. Goodridge
“I share what I know,
so that others may grow!”
www.LifeRhymes.com

Commentary:
Remember: you can't effectively help another, or expect their full cooperation or appreciation for pulling them out of misery unless they feel the fire of their condition and in fact WANT to be helped.