[stylist] New THOUGHT PROVOKER #152- The Cursed

Mon Dec 21 06:38:49 UTC 2009

Robert,
again I say this is one of, or perhaps the, best of your thought provokers!

There are plenty  of people who think themselves  Christians who 
believe  that blind people are cursed, that the blindness results 
from a lack of their own personal faith or it is a judgment against 
the parents.

I also have to say Robert, I agree with the early depiction in the 
story: sometimes there are women whose voices just melt me and in my 
heart I'm saying "I'm your slave!"
I think sometimes us blind do focus on the voice much more than others do.
I appreciate that you don't quite identify Dara's faith or 
ethnicity.  sadly, such a scene could've played in several.

Robert, your short piece also wonderfully captures that sudden 
chemistry that can hit two people.  This is an excellent piece of 
writing, besides  confronting one of the worst prejudices against the blind.

for Christians, they ought to read John chapter 9, when Jesus says 
people are  born blind, made blind for the good purpose of God.  this 
is completely in agreement with the concept that our blindness is a 
characteristic like blond hair, or being particularly tall.  those of 
us who believe know that all these are in God's hands.

In some cultures, this "curse" is a self-fulfilling curse because 
blind people are prevented from going to college or getting good 
jobs, treated as children.
Thank you Robert.  Your writing serves us all!
jc
Jim Canaday M.A.
Lawrence, KS

At 07:23 AM 12/20/2009, you wrote:
>Dear Fellow Writers
>RE:  The Cursed
>
>Here is my #152nd THOUGHT PROVOKER. It is a study in how various religious
>factions will view the blind; from near sainthood to being cursed. If you
>have not read the PROVOKER, it follows.  Recall that I collect responses and
>post them upon my web site for all the WWW to read and learn from and that
>URL is- Http://thoughtprovoker.info <http://thoughtprovoker.info/>   If you
>wish to receive THOUGHT PROVOKERS sent directly to you, just write me and
>ask, at-  newmanrl at cox.net
>
>
>
>THOUGHT PROVOKER 152
>The Cursed
>
>"Hi, I'm Robert. Your accent, if I am reading it correctly, places you from
>somewhere in the Middle East?"
>
>The attractive dusky-skinned, dark-haired woman looked quizzically at the
>guy approaching. He was about her age, nice looking, using a long white
>cane. She had first noticed him upon her arrival in the hotel lobby, and
>later in the registration line and reception area for those attending the
>two-day conference. He had impressed her with his poise as he maneuvered
>about independently, responding charmingly as he dealt with the awkward
>reception his presence sometimes elicited. Without hesitation, she spoke up,
>"Hello, and, yes. To put a finger or two on the map, Cairo originally, but
>most recently, right here in Philly. My name is Dara --- I'm the only one
>sitting in this row." A realization was blossoming within her; this guy's
>disability didn't make her feel uncomfortable.
>
>Anticipation fueling his every stride, Robert moved into the row. He hadn't
>expected such a provocative seatmate at a conference where he knew there
>wouldn't be anyone he'd know. Her voice is so beautiful, he thought.
>Feeling at ease and maybe too much so, he couldn't believe his next words,
>"Well, guess I'll sit by you and fill up the row so it's just ours."
>
>They didn't have the entire row to themselves. Yet throughout the morning's
>presentations, they indulged in periodic soft-spoken exchanges.  Some
>concerning the information being presented, some purely personal, and
>sometimes, sharing some stifled laughter.
>
>At the end of the morning session, they decided to have lunch together.
>Later, they had dinner, then the next morning, breakfast, and then lunch
>again. The conference was over at 4:00 PM.
>
>"I've got to see you again. How about tomorrow lunch or dinner somewhere?"
>Robert asked.
>
>"Yes, me too. Ah --- how about you come over to my apartment and I make
>dinner --- you bring a refreshment."
>
>"Yes!"
>
>The night of their date, dinner finished, with more wine, soft music, and a
>deep lingering kiss, Dara said, "I once heard that it was very disconcerting
>to look into a blind person's eyes. But ah --- being this close and looking
>--- I'm not sure I know what they are referring to."
>
>"Well I'm told --- good art work on non-scratch plastic like I have, can
>work miracles."
>
>"Ha! Oh Robert my dear man," Dara snuggled closer, "you are so full of
>surprises and delights. I must tell you that I feel that I am falling in
>love with you. "Fingertips caressing his cheek,  "Before we get more
>serious, we must go to my father. He must meet and pass his judgment on my
>choice."
>
>"Woo, You mean we have to get your father's permission to fall in love?"
>
>"No, it's not that way. I have my own heart and feelings. I respect you for
>who you are, my dear. Just that, my father is the --- head of the family. It
>is the way within my culture. The man oversees the affairs of the family.
>You will like him. He is a generous, loving, and God fearing man. And his
>being judgmental; well --- it goes along with the position "
>
>The day came for their trip to Dara's family home and her introduction of
>Robert to her father came. Her mother served them tea and sweets. They
>talked, drank tea, talked some more, and though her family were very polite,
>they were nevertheless very curious about how this blind man lived.
>
>After dinner, in her father's study, Dara and Robert spoke of their feelings
>for one another. And her father answered. "My dear daughter, I do not give
>my permission. Let me make this very clear, Robert, though you are a fine
>fellow, I must oppose this marriage. I do not want my daughter to be fated
>to the life she would have to live if she is betrothed to you. You are
>blind, a condition which greatly, how should I say it --- blindness severely
>impacts your life--you are stigmatized; you have reduced independence and,
>therefore, your prospects to financially care for my daughter are
>handicapped. No. I forbid this union. You are one of God's cursed."
>
>
>Robert Leslie Newman
>Email- newmanrl at cox.net
>THOUGHT PROVOKER Website-
>Http://www.thoughtprovoker.info
>
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