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A Dark and Dreary, Emptiness
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A Dark and Dreary, Emptiness |
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Gene Senior Member
since 2000-01-23
Posts 935Colorado, USA |
"A Dark and Dreary, Emptiness" In her dark and dreary, empty room, she sits alone and dreams of days gone past and love long last; of nights when he’d come home. Staring aimlessly at empty walls; all save one, where hangs one lone photograph above her bed, of a soldier in olive-drab, she lowers her head to read his love letters over and over again — every word — as if each time were the very first. Glancing up at the television; picture full of snow, I asked her how she was enjoying the show. "Fine," she said in a faltering voice. Then I asked her, "What’s new?" "What could be new?" she said. Then, I knew; I had lost her for good, and soon she would be dead. This old woman, once so vibrant and well, was now a withered empty shell in a room as empty, now her cell — trapped inside her dark and dreary, empty hell. Sitting in her wheeled chariot of steel, she looks out a window into thin air — nothing there — save one lone dove in late-winter’s tree, now bare, gawking disconcertingly back at her. With a forlorn, distant stare, she gazes at a reflection of her own, thinking this is her young soldier returning home from the War — she leans forward and softly blows her Edward a kiss. And for one brief moment in time, she frees herself from her dark and dreary, emptiness. _____ ~Gene Recently, I was forced to place my mother in a nursing home. It breaks my heart to see her like this. |
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| © Copyright 2000 Gene M. - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Gene, I'm sorry to hear that....I can imagine the pain of it. Your poem about it is excellent. Denise |
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Gene Senior Member
since 2000-01-23
Posts 935Colorado, USA |
Thanks, Denise. I thought it might be a little dark--more appropriate in DP, but all my friend are here in the Pub. |
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Munda Member Elite
since 1999-10-08
Posts 3544The Hague, The Netherlands |
Gene, this poem feels very special to me. My Mom has been in a nursing home for a couple of years (even though she was still fairly young). I've seen her mind slowly fade and her body giving up. It was a blessing to see her escape from that dark and dreary hell. You describe it well my friend, very well. Thanks for writing and sharing this.  |
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childomine Senior Member
since 2000-01-25
Posts 818st. petersburg, FL |
Gene, this is so sad. I'm sorry that you had to place your mother in a nursing home. Your wrote well about a very painful thing. Witnessing someone trapped in a time that has past is scarey and disheartening. I wish you well friend. |
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Another Heather Member
since 2000-02-17
Posts 93Canada |
Very well written gene, I'm sorry to hear you had go through something like that but it seems like you've got a pretty good handle on everything. Writing is always a good way to get those emotions out, so keep it up! "Be yourself... No matter what they say" - Sting |
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Jon Mewett Senior Member
since 2000-03-04
Posts 1304 |
Hi gene Your piece captures old age and the frustrations that brings, to the aged and their families, really well. 'The old women once so vibrant and well was now a withered and empty shell In her room as empty now her cell. A great precis of life gene. Your mums probably happy with her memories. Jon Birth,Life,Death every one a mystery |
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kaile
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146singapore |
Dear u_gene,TQ for reading my haiku and i'm here to stop by...can't wait to share/discuss haiku with U! ")She sits motionless Face stoned,stares blankly ahead hollow existence im sorry y're forced to send ur mother to a nursing home...hope u r doing fine!! best regards ") |
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wonderous Member
since 2000-02-29
Posts 75 |
hi gene saying sorry is so inadequate. its a very beautifully written poem reminds me of my grandfather |
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StarrGazer Senior Member
since 2000-03-05
Posts 679Texas |
Gene this poem was great ! We just had to place my grandfather in the nursing home a few months back so I can relate very well to your feelings ~*Love begins with a smile, grows with a kiss, and ends with a tear*~ |
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Gene Senior Member
since 2000-01-23
Posts 935Colorado, USA |
Thank you, everyone for your kind thoughts. It's really difficult having to go through this. My father died suddenly, 25 years ago. I think, in a way that was easier. I'll always remember him as a young virile man. When your a kid, you always expect your parents to be there. Now, I'm the parent to my mother. ~Gene |
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Wikket Member
since 2000-01-29
Posts 340Santa Clara, CA USA |
Awwwww...Gene.... I am sorry to hear about your Mother, I am losing my Father to the same lonely place. I keep thinking, at least he found a place where he was happy and in his mind he enjoys that. But I know it's hard when he looks at me and it takes some time for him to remember me. Very good poem...tugs at the heartstrings.  --Jamie |
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Jonas Senior Member
since 2000-03-03
Posts 796Oregon |
Gene, this is such a sad and touching piece, although beautifully written. I recently lost my grandmother after watching her turn from a funny, intelligent woman to a shell with no speech or memory. I feel for you my friend. Those who dream by day are cognizant of many things which escape those who dream only by night. -Edgar Allen Poe |
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jascanvey Member
since 1999-12-26
Posts 130England |
Gene - seems we all know what you are going through on this one. Me too, my Mother was in a nursing home before she died and I still live with the guilt of watching her fade away before my very eyes. She seemed to give up on life when she was placed in there but it was just too difficult for me to look after her myself. I can see so much of her in your poem, brings a lump to my throat. All of my life I've been searching for the words to say how I feel........ - Phil Collins. |
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Gene Senior Member
since 2000-01-23
Posts 935Colorado, USA |
Jamie--Gary--Julie Thanks so much, I can tell you all truly understand. I'm surprised at how common this is. I expect to grow old gracefully, active to the end, but then I guess so did our parents and grandparents at one time. ~Gene |
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Little_Spyro Senior Member
since 2000-01-09
Posts 659San Diego, CA, USA |
Well, I'm afraid I don't understand...but it's got to happen sometime, doesn't it?  I'm really, really sorry for your loss, Gene...maybe a poem will cheer you up a little?  Little Spyro T. Dragon |
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dhuron Member
since 2000-03-19
Posts 476 |
This poem is so well written. As I read futher I felt the emotions within your poem. Very Excellent. |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Gene~ This is truly a tender, touching piece. I, for one, would be thankful that she has the wonderful memories that she can retreat into. Can you just imagine her joy at seeing 'her Edward' ... whether others can see him or not? He is a familiar comfort to her, no doubt. No child likes to see a parent in this situation ... but draw comfort that she holds her memories in her heart. *HUGS* ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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KimW Member
since 2000-03-04
Posts 268Medford, Oregon, USA |
Gene, I can not find the words (there are none adequate enough) to express what I felt and feel about this. My Grandmother was placed in a nursing home a few years ago. I have struggled with the emotions since. I really have no Idea how I would / will feel if one day I have to face such a decision with my Mother. My heart goes out to you and I wish I could find the words to comfort. You have written a very strong piece about something so very personal and heartwrenching. Best wishes to you and your mother on this journey. Kim |
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