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Open Poetry #44
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The Man In The Window (true story)
| Open Poetry #44 |
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The Man In The Window (true story) |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada 
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The Man In The Window I saw him from my hospital window, he seemed small, and very frail. Rising from his chair, I noticed a weathered face wrinkled and pale. Once standing, he was actually tall, though shriveled, time had done him in. Folds of skin now replaced the muscle on a man now translucent, and thin. I watched as he knelt on the floor in front of a picture I couldn't see. I wondered who he was revering, curious about whom it could be. For 10 days in isolation I watched as he repeated this ritual every night. Curiously was getting the best of me ~ I heard music, saw candles burning bright. At precisely 9 o'clock every night, he'd turn off his big flat screen tv, Then kneel at his little picture shrine ~ that is until he spotted me! I waved hello, he didn't even move, just turned and grabbed his chair. He sat down, with his head in his hands as if he hadn't noticed me there. Finally a nurse came into my room I confessed I had upset "that man." She smiled, and said, "Impossible, he's blind and deaf, our dear old Dan." Dan and his wife came here about 2004, but she passed away a year ago I know. He's gone downhill ever since that day, he lost his hearing, then his sight was next to go. He's made a little shrine to her, and sings to her every single night. It's almost as if he summons her, then they dance around his room by candlelight. He's slipping fast our poor old Dan, he'll not last too long. Then, four days later when I looked, there was no light, no Dan, no song. Half of him must have felt missing, and needed to be whole again you see? I hope he and his wife are dancing wherever those two lovers may be.  My muse is on vacation but I had to get this one down before I forgot the details, and can fix it when that silly muse returns. A little explanation - I spent 14 days hospitalized in Isolation this February with pneumonia, Norwalk virus, and another flu virus. I had my own room, but couldn't have visitors, but I did have windows. The only things I could see was this man's room in the live-in care section at the other end of the hospital, and the garden below. I spotted him the first day I was able to get up, and continued to watch him each night. I had a sad/happy feeling when I found out he had passed away. Love stories like these always have happy endings don't they? Yet another chapter in life lessons for me.The lady across the hall from me had the same virus and sadly she passed away.This was sure a rude awakening for me to continue to stay in the best shape I can to have what it takes to fight sickness.  Carpe' Diem, Mysteria |
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| © Copyright 2009 Mysteria 1997 - All Rights Reserved | |||
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1slick_lady Member Ascendant
since 2000-12-22
Posts 6088standing on a shadow's lace |
i am glad you are better and this poem made me cry good tears ahh to be loved like that !!! |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
I had to get it written down somehow to take to the nurses in that ward, as I promised. Thanks Helen, stronger each day, but not running laps yet  So sad, yet happy in a way as he was just too lonely. |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Oh Sharon, this is a lovely story to honor his memory. I am so glad you are better! I knew you were ill, but had no idea it was a 2 week hospital ordeal!!! Those viruses and pneumonia are nothing to sneeze about! (yes, pun intended)  Now please stay well.  |
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LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
I am so glad to see you back here again and well on the road to recovery. You wrote a heart touching story about that poor old chap and then that poignant poem, well done much enjoyed. A big hug to you my dear. Lindsay |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Kacy, you too - you stay healthy too! LindsayP - I am honored you even read my poem, never could rhyme right, and possibly never will, but glad you got the story. I just love your work! |
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Susan Caldwell Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348Florida |
You remember the movie, "The Notebook?" I hated that movie...because they die at the end. I know, I have had at least a dozen people argue the merits of the ending.. I loved your love story though...May he be where he wanted to be. Glad you are better Sharon.  "too bad ignorance isn't painful" |
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Earth Angel Member Empyrean
since 2002-08-27
Posts 40215Realms of Light |
With tears in my eyes, I am responding to this story which is highly reminiscent to that of my parents. Sharon, you rendered it so tenderly.  Linda |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I didn't know you had been ill, Mysteria, but what a gift of wellness of heart and soul to be a witness to such a great love! Take care of yourself, and thank you for sharing such a wonderful story! |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
wow, I am glad you are better...I hadn't known you were in the hospital what a fine story to take with you...I bet there are many like this from hospitals from all over the world. |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Thank you everyone for reading this. I hope I can fix it a bit better and am dropping it off to the nurses when I head over for blood tests tomorrow. I learned more than I can tell you being that still for that long, as I am NEVER still! It sure gave me time to think - and sometimes that is dangerous. Carpe' Diem, |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
*hearthugs* dear friend. And it looks like you found the magick in life again...but that does not surprise me, since you are one of those that keeps putting the magick stuff back into it. One of your best, lovie. |
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Artic Wind Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 8080Realm of Supernatural |
Healing hugs! Enjoyed the write, for sure ARCTIC WIND |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
I am so happy that you are well again and also glad that you posted this beautifful story. It's the kind of thing that will be remembered Thank you dear heart liz |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
A pleasure to read...yes storys like this are both sad and happy...when one door closes another opens to a new beginning...James |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
This is a most poignant story, beautifully told, dear Sharon. It's good to hear you are better, after this experience, that certainly represented a lesson too, I agree with you. Love and hugs. Margherita |
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sandgrain Member Elite
since 1999-09-21
Posts 3662Sycamore, IL, USA |
This is a lovely piece, Sharon. See you can't even be sick and forget others sadness. That's why I call you my angel. My prayer for your full recovery of health and strength continues. God bless, Rae |
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Bill Charles Member Patricius
since 2000-07-11
Posts 10619highways, & byways, for now |
Mysteria - not many writings brings a tear to my eyes, but this one did. So very touching indeed... BC |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Thank you all so much for reading this in the state I posted it. What I saw from my window occupied my time, and I felt guilty like spying on a daily intimate meeting. I am glad that man is where he wants to be, and wish we all could decide that when the time came. I am WAY better thank you, still a little stiff and sore, but keep plugging away at a longer walk every day to build up strength again. I just hate not having total independence. Night all. |
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steavenr Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058 |
first, so sorry to hear of your illness but so glad to know of your recovery...the story of your poetry is wonderful...I often think that there can only be good endings to true love (wish that were always true) and it is so good to hear of a good ending when one comes along...think I'll go rent An Affair to Remember now. ...sigh... |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
stevenr - You are very right, real true love actually doesn't even have an ending as far as I can see. I wrote about my grandparents, It was called, The Ring. It also is a true story, now those two were meant to be together on this plain, and the next. When she died, my Grandpa died not even 4 months later. They just don't seem to make love like they used to. |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
I read this the other day and thought I had posted. It is lovely and wistful. Latearrival. P.S. I have not been able to get on to the internet at work for a while. That is where I have the most time as I work midnight to eight. I will have to ask one of the internet guys if I was taken off intentionally or if it was a mistake. I can not ask my supervisor. The 4 to 12 gal is on it all the time. I hope it is a mistake, but maybe not. She does need access at times on her shift. LOL |
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zaxby Junior Member
since 2009-03-05
Posts 48California |
Mysteria, A powerful,moving poem about what happens to some couples with so deep a love that when one dies the other loses a part of themselves, so true and well written. |
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