»
Archives
»
Open Poetry #46
»
When The Children Come to Visit
| Open Poetry #46 |
|
When The Children Come to Visit |
|
|
Billie Cullimore Member
since 2009-03-27
Posts 315
|
When The Children Come to Visit By Billie Cullimore They promised to come and see her. But she lived so far away. "Soon as the weather breaks." They'd tell her. "We'll see you on that day." So mom would plan ahead for the day When the children would come for a visit. And maybe if they have the time, They could take that lamp and fix it. She would bottle jams and jelly. Bake cookies, pies and such. Anxiously await their coming. She wanted them so much. She would tuck away the good things, And wait for the children to come. "There's enough to save, I'll put it away, I'm sure they will enjoy some. "Oh my, but that does look good. I'll buy it and take it home. When the children come to visit, I won't have to eat alone. She would coax and feed the squirrels So the children could watch them play. "Surely they'll bring the youngsters When the visit me some day. The telephone rang at midnight, She grasp with trembling hand. "We had a party to go to mom, But, of cource you understand." "We're going to Hawaii, this year, Get away from the cold and snow. We'll try to see you in the spring. We work so hard, you know." Spring would pass, then summer. "We'll come on the forth of July." "Plans have changed." They would tell her. "We'll see you by and by." For years she saved up treasures. Clockes and lamps and chairs. "When I'm gone." She'd say "They'll have it. Some day it will all be theirs." Her birthday passed with out mention. Not even a card or letter. "Sorry we forgot, mom. Next year we"ll do better." They didn't see the tears that fell. Or the heart that ached so much. Or the pain in the sad old eyes, That longed for her childrens touch. Then one day there was a smile on her face. Her heart no longer ached. For the children had come--To stand by her grave. The ultimate elderly fate. "Call the junk man, get rid of these things. A yard sale will never do. Who would want this out dated stuff? Surly not me or you." "And what's all this food in the freezer? A turkey so old it's blue. Eggnog turned sour, veggies gone bad. What was wrong with that crazy old fool?" "Why did she keep this old broken lamp? She knew she could never fix it." But, it like the rest, had been waiting the day, When her children would come for a visit. |
||
| © Copyright 2010 Billie Cullimore - All Rights Reserved | |||
|
Billie Cullimore Member
since 2009-03-27
Posts 315 |
I retired as an Ombudsman for the elderly from Southeast Idaho Couuncil of Governments. It was my duty to cover seven counties of Southeast Idaho. In so doing I went to Nursing homes, Assisted living centers etc. as well as privet homes of the elderly. The people I met and conditions I saw inspired this poem. |
||
|
Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Yo dear Billie C., Some people care about older people, and some people don't. It all depends on their relationship with each other. Love Bobby |
||
|
OldBuddyOldPal Member
since 2008-12-15
Posts 87 |
This poem is sad but so real. It was hard for me to read because I am one of those daughters who neglected to visit her mom as often as she should. It was not the long drive or because of better things to do that kept me away. I selfishly found being with her horribly painful. She had a bad case of dementia and she was almost just a shell of her healthy self. She had her own way of talking, making up words as she went along. Much of the time, she spent her days in her fantasy world of memories of life in her past and images of people she had created in her mind. She died last year. Looking back, in a twisted way, I now see how comforting I could have found the whole situation. She was happy in her dream world and she did not have to remember that her husband was gone and that we had to put her in the home in the first place. |
||
|
Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
A story that is all too true for far too many. A hard read only in its recognition of my own faults. Thanks for sharing. Peace. "We'll chase them like rats across the tundra." |
||
|
Earl Brinkman Senior Member
since 2010-03-03
Posts 1183Osaka, Japan |
I would hope that children would take care of their parents when they get old. If they don`t it is a disgrace. |
||
|
steavenr Member Elite
since 2003-11-17
Posts 4058 |
This one hit very close to home. I used to be one of those children who found it difficult to find time in my 'all-important schedule' and rarely found the the time to visit. Now time has made it easy and place has made it convenient--just one stop at the cemetery for me...it is so strange to watch my 'self-importance' being introduced to the truly important things in life. I now miss them so much...thank you for sharing...heard to read...so convicting |
||
|
Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Very sad. Everybody gets old sooner or later and will take their turn on the karmic wheel. Ida [This message has been edited by Marchmadness (04-23-2010 04:53 PM).] |
||
WTBAKELAR
since 2008-09-09
Posts 1089Utah, USA |
This is a very descriptive write, and a story that I am sure is told over and over by the old, and never thought much about by the young, that are out living their lives, and forget what's important. I will be up to see you one of these days. When I get time. Unless something comes up, of course. Love always, your son, Tracey |
||
|
LindsayP Member Elite
since 2007-07-28
Posts 3410Australia, Victoria |
Dear Billie, I'll bet you have pulled at a lot of heart strings with this very sad poignant poem. It was a delight to read and I think one of your best. It brought back so many loving memories of my dear old Mum in the last few years of her life. She was completely blind and unable to feed herself. I lived forty mile away from where she was but I called in to see her at least four times a week. When I held her hand it was completely limp but after I told her who I was several times, she would squeeze my hand letting me know that she understood. For several years before she became completely disorientated she prayed to God that he would take her. Her last three years must have been sheer hell for her, for she couldn't see, couldn't hear and couldn't speak. That is why I am a great believer in euthanasia today, for if I had an animal in the same state of health as my dear Mum and didnt put it down, the RSPCA would most likely gaol me for cruelity to dumb animals I know Tracey will be very proud of you. love to you dear friend. Lindsay |
||
|
Superwoman New Member
since 2010-07-08
Posts 9 |
Sad but too true. |
||
|
easy1 Senior Member
since 2010-05-22
Posts 1209Southeastern USA |
Very poignant, and told in a gentle voice. |
||
|
jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
When I was in the 10th grade our speech class visited an "old folks home" as they were called then. It was the week or so just before Christmas and I was Santa. To this day I explicitly remember those faces, the tears and the things they said sitting on my lap. A more sad experience I don't think I've ever had. Excellent write. j. |
||
|
nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
well I think my most favorite times in life are with the very young and those nearing the end of life. I will never forget all the stories my Grandmother would tell me even when she thought I was my sister or just a visitor. And of course taking care of and spending those last months with my sister may have broken my heart, seeing it first hand...but they will always be special memories to me. I guess some people can make the time and handle it and others can't.And then some just can't face their fears. I enjoyed the tone of your words~~~ M |
||
|
|
⇧ top of page ⇧ |
|
| All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format. | ||
