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Open Poetry #40
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Beatrice Boyle
Member
since 2006-12-06
Posts 438


0 posted 2007-01-27 02:10 AM





Sitting in wheel chairs
Lined up in a row
Just staring in space
They’ve nowhere to go
Vacant faces…empty eyes
People scurrying past
Ignoring their cries

Most are alone now
No one to lean on
They call out to loved ones
Long dead and gone
There is no present…only the past
Recalling their youth
While their memories last

When you rush down the corridor
As you hasten to leave
And you feel a gnarled hand
As it tugs on your sleeve
Hold it tight…give them a smile
They’d be so grateful
If you stayed awhile

Is there no one
Who will hear their cry?
They did not choose
This long goodbye
Yet here they sit
And they wonder
…why?


© Copyright 2007 Beatrice Boyle - All Rights Reserved
trutodaraiders
Senior Member
since 2006-12-02
Posts 820
CA
1 posted 2007-01-27 02:29 AM


I really really liked this poem. It brought back memories when i worked at a nursing home. I would talk and talk to my elders in delight. Not all where insane or losing their mind, I learned a lot. Though this poem paints a sad picture (heart-clinching) it brings a good point. Thanks for the reminder.
LeeJ
Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296

2 posted 2007-01-27 07:08 AM


remembering as I read, a pleasant experience in a nursing home...while leaving, I looked into a room, there watching TV were an elderly man and woman, holding hands and they kissed...it was heartwarming and I smiled inside.  

Yes, Bea, it is nice to stop and talk for a while....

Love ya...
Lee J.

ivordavies
Senior Member
since 2007-01-10
Posts 739
Chester, England
3 posted 2007-01-27 07:31 AM


This applies unfortunately to more sections of the community than the elderly:

Orphanages
Asylums
Street children
Beggars
etc. etc.



passing shadows
Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577
displaced
4 posted 2007-01-27 09:28 AM


you sure make me think...

and I think I could be doing more good than sitting here on my days off

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
5 posted 2007-01-27 12:03 PM


Beatrice Boyle
Wondering why is a life long process, but it gets harder and sader as you get older.
Enjoyed the read.

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

6 posted 2007-01-27 06:14 PM


My friend is a nurse in such a place--

she calls it "the people pound"

She was written up for yelling at someone's relative--he comes to visit maybe twice a year and she happens to know he lives around the corner.

He had yelled at her because the pitcher of water she had brought for his little ladymom had no ice.

"Grandma don't need ice [insert expletive here]--what she needs is your company."

You wrote a sad truth, and it is good.

Some people need reminding.

ivordavies
Senior Member
since 2007-01-10
Posts 739
Chester, England
7 posted 2007-01-27 06:50 PM


Bea,

I know I have responded already to this, but my wife of 37 years is a carer and visits people at their own home to provide care of a very personal nature most of the time.

For a lot of people the only person they have contact with is a carer who calls either once or twice a day, to help them dress, feed etc.

Respect for age has disappeared in a throw away society.  We both know a dear friend on another site who is a nurse in a hospice, and she often tells of her experience of people dying alone with only the carers to cry for them.

You have written a very powerful piece of work here.....

I wonder how many may read your words agree, but do nothing about it...

Ivor  

Beatrice Boyle
Member
since 2006-12-06
Posts 438

8 posted 2007-01-28 12:26 PM


Hi Bill...we can ALL say "there but for the grace of God, go I!"

Bea

Beatrice Boyle
Member
since 2006-12-06
Posts 438

9 posted 2007-01-28 12:33 PM


You're never to old for love LeeJ...they were on their final journey together...how nice they didn't have to do it alone!

Bea

Beatrice Boyle
Member
since 2006-12-06
Posts 438

10 posted 2007-01-28 12:36 PM


Thanks Shadows...call someone who is lonely today!

Bea

Beatrice Boyle
Member
since 2006-12-06
Posts 438

11 posted 2007-01-28 12:38 PM


Thanks Seymour...We are so fortunate to have children and families who love us...how sad for those who do not!

Bea

Beatrice Boyle
Member
since 2006-12-06
Posts 438

12 posted 2007-01-28 12:39 PM


Thanks Serenity...good for your friend!!!

Bea

Beatrice Boyle
Member
since 2006-12-06
Posts 438

13 posted 2007-01-28 12:44 PM


Ivor...it takes a very special person (like Joan)to care...I mean REALLY care, for these people.

As for Lucie...I only hope I have someone like her to care for me in my final hours!

Bea

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