Just imagine …

By Rhiannonw

Wed, 11 Feb 2026
  • 159 reads
8 comments
 

Fifty years ago two men
wedged together in a train
rushing through the snow
deep in the country of Ukraine.
First time they’d met, don’t know
each others’ name or nation,
but suddenly there is a crash –
derailment, impending conflagration.

One is hurt,
the other helps him out before
the flaming roar,
and then sees his helper
help many more
out of the savage
encroaching fire carnage.

Years later this one that had been injured,
now a rising Russian
leader in his land –
remembers the compassion
of his (later learned) Ukrainian companion.

How can he hate his neighbour now?
Kindness remembered,
kindness engendered …
brotherly love, not hate.

[IP: strangers meeting on a journey]

Certificate U
Poem
Miscellaneous
Philosophy
Love
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by w.w.j.abercrombie on

I enjoyed this Rhiannonw, would that it were true.

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

thank you. I was remembering long ago, someone mentioning the importance of befriending well overseas students who might well go back to become leaders in their land. And I  also had memories of one occasion i was a bit unwise. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

As they say, war brings out the worst and best in men. Good story Rhiannon, might as well be true.

See you! Tom

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you, Tom. Who knows how many times unfriendliness, dislike and even war may have been prevented, turned by simple acts of kindness shown across culture differences! Rhianon

 

Submitted by Tom Brown on

Yes Rhiannon, "Imagine" as John Lennon did. Being tolerant and passive rather, and remember "A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger".

Keep well, and have a good day! Tom

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thanks again, Tom.

Not quite sure about Lennon's 'Imagine', but Proverbs 15:1 good to quote! I wanted readers to realise what could have helped if it had happened, and what can help with kindness and thoughtfulness whenever one can! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by marandina on

A salutary tale and one of optmism and hope.

If only the leaders involved would heed these sentiments.

Well said and nicely done, Rhiannon. 

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Thank you.. Maybe such gestures happen often unnoticed, and save much hatred. But we can all take lessons and realise the good that can be done simply, or harm. Rhiannon