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Open Poetry #14
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It's Only A Hill
| Open Poetry #14 |
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It's Only A Hill |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada 
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Hi! I am not too concerned of the syllable count or the rhythm to this one, as it was just something I had to write and get out, thank you.  ~* It's Only A Hill *~I spent some time today trying to color, With a sweet friend of mine. She was getting exasperated because, She could not keep her colors inside the line. She couldn’t remember the right colors, Red, yellow, green, orange, or blue, And no matter how hard she tried, This simple data would not filter through. She and I tried everything to get One picture done so we both could see, If my plan might just work after all, And on this exercise, we could both agree. She was getting so frustrated and looked at me, Like I was some sort of powder monkey. She was ready to explode; I just smiled, And said her artwork looked kinda funky! I said would you rather color Snow White then, Or do you want to continue with this one? By the look in her eyes, I knew if she had one, She’d have shot me with a big, ole shotgun! I saw tears welling up in her eyes, Then she said, "let’s try it again tomorrow." I bent and gave her a kiss on the cheek, My heart was filled with so much sorrow. You see this friend that cannot color, Happens to be the ripe old age of 72, She‘s had a stroke and has to relearn, Almost everything that she used to do. The little things we take for granted, Like pulling on a pair of socks, To her is but a continual challenge, Opening up another Pandora’s box. I looked at her and my heart saddened, This woman was once so very strong, Now sitting strapped in a wheel chair, Hour by hour, on mundane days so long. She was once the pillar of strength, With a mind as sharp as a tack We would fight about politics, religion, And trust me, she would argue back. She is the Mother I could never confide in, She knows every secret I ever had, I turned to her for almost everything, Especially when I was down, or sad. She has been there for me more than once, Through some traumatic things in my life, And brought me back to sanity twice, When my life held too much stress and strife. This all has made me realize how much, Life should be valued every second of the day, For in a heartbeat, your quality of life, And your dignity can be stripped away. I cannot find the answer to one question, As she was so fit and lively, always on the run, She ate so healthy, watched her weight, Had a great attitude, and was always so much fun! I want to know why? Why did this happen to her? As she is content to sit, staring out into space, That intelligent woman, with sparkling eyes, Where is the tender smile gone from her face? They say she will perhaps get to a level, Where she might be able to live on her own, A wheelchair, then maybe a walker, Is that quality of life, if you live all alone? I have begun to walk a little slower now, And hold the anger over the small stuff in check. I used to get so uptight about the stupidest things, And worry myself into a nervous wreck. The dishes sit a little longer, and maybe, I don’t get to things as fast as I used to, But I intend to live every second of my life, So I'll know red, yellow, green, orange and blue. She is one tough bird, my friend Maggie, And if anyone can get out of that chair – she will! We all love her and need her back the way she was, So we'll all climb this small mountain, it’s only a hill! graphic: Maggie's chair ~*~ Be Heart Smart ~*~ ~*~ Remember to tell someone today that you love them ~*~ [This message has been edited by Mysteria (edited 06-03-2001).] |
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| © Copyright 2001 Mysteria 1997 - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Logan Senior Member
since 2001-05-28
Posts 1641Arkansas |
Mysteria..this hits home as I am currently a durable medical equipment tech. I deliver chairs such as this, as well as the beds and oxygen equipment every day. And I will say this to you, I have seen the impossible happen, so keep heart, brave one, for I KNOW what it is all about..a very wonderful tribute you have written...gentle smile |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Logan - please check your email and thank you for reading this, and it could have been 10 pages long. |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Mysteria~ My friend ... this is such an engaging heart-tugger. I make the time to visit with elderly people at least twice a month at area nursing homes - I know the frustrations they feel when the body is willing - yet the mind can't take them where they want to be ... or sometimes the mind is sharp and the body doesn't cooperate. Sharon~ There ARE earth angels at work in Maggie's life. I know she appreciates you being there ... that's half of the battle ... knowing someone is there ! ! Bless you .... *HUGS* for Maggie, cause I know you'll deliver ! Love n' stuff~ ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Marge: Thank you for that...I visit every day (except the ones Tori is here), and I see the frustrations, the lonliness, and the dwindling flames in their hearts. I too am involved big time now...reading, crossword puzzles, pub hour, you name it, and I love it, but if I could see one finger on Maggie's hand move it would make all the heartache worthwhile, just one! Bless your heart too, if there were more of "you" there would be more happiness for the aging who are just "left" with no one. Well 2 South has me now, lucky them!  |
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angelbear Member
since 2001-05-22
Posts 139North East, USA |
We so often take life for granted. It is said so well here and seen from all perspectives..yours, hers, and humanity's. We sometimes need to forget our frail human condition, but I think the key to enjoying life is always remembering it and living for what is now. I truly think your poem says this. Very inspiring and life affirming (not to mention sad and touching)...  I can't control |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
"This all has made me realize how much, Life should be valued every second of the day, For in a heartbeat, your quality of life, And your dignity can be stripped away." Oh Mysteria, there is so much heart and spirit in this piece ... your inspiration shines through this lines, as does your dedication to your wonderful friendship. I too have watched a loved one from another vantage. My mother had an aneurism burst in her brain 6 years ago and had to re-learn the most simplest of tasks. It's no less than a miracle that she eventually returned to us, the whole and loving woman that she always was, though it took a lot of strength and perseverence. Thank you for reminding me of how lucky I am, through your words ....  Best wishes, /Kit |
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angelbear Member
since 2001-05-22
Posts 139North East, USA |
Oh, and I loved the imagry as well! I can't control |
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Mr»ÄlleÿÇät Member
since 2001-06-02
Posts 190 |
A sad and moving story Thank you Mr»ÄlleÿÇät |
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MyEnchanted_Melody Senior Member
since 2001-05-30
Posts 1106across the land of dreams. In your heart, I'd always be. |
A touching read that tells so much ...... But we should always be strong and have faith ......this could be just a test for our faith and strength...... and your noble feelings towards your friend would surely help her to fight stronger..... I wish you and her the best and that she'd get over it......... Thank you....... ********************* It's only me.......only me |
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vandana
since 1999-10-22
Posts 10463USA |
enjoy |
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Interloper
since 2000-11-06
Posts 8369Deep in the heart |
I want to know why? Why did this happen to her? ~~~~~~~~ Maybe it is not for us to know. I work, daily, with physically disabled people and the elderly. God helps me through each day and, strangely, I feel the better for it. Fool, said my Muse to me, look in thy heart and write. Philip Sidney (1554-1586) Loving in Truth |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
We don't know why those we love are taken with illness but you are right...we should live life to the very fullest and appreciate the fact that we are able to walk around and do the small things for ourselves and take care of those we love. This touched me deeply. Kathleen Blake |
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walker Member Elite
since 2001-02-11
Posts 2240Florida |
We often wander why bad things happen to good people, but perhaps they happen to people that are strong enough to handle it, like your friend.Have faith, if anyone can rehabilitate she will. |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Thank you all for reading this, Walker I like that though, and you could be right! I think those that are strongest are challenged because they can make it, and in so doing, it teaches us a lesson in the process. And, if anyone can make it through this she can! Kit I am so glad you got your Mom back, miracles do happen. Interloper I think if we don't get to the place where we ask why, we can not fully appreciate the "why not!". I think the lesson in all of this for me has been to enjoy life, share my love with others, and most of all to be thankful each time I pull up my socks, because I can! Thanks again for reading this rather long tale, which is unfortunatley sad and true. ~*~ Remember to tell someone today that you love them ~*~ |
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Lone Wolf Member Ascendant
since 2000-03-16
Posts 5842Lansing, MI USA |
This was a very touching tribute to your friend. She is very lucky to have you. It is never easy to watch those we love and care about suffer. Many times we take the little things in life too seriously. We all need to take time to stop and smell the roses and enjoy the blessings God has given us. Wonderful write! All writing comes |
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Mabel A. Dilley Senior Member
since 2001-03-17
Posts 859Seattle, WA, USA |
Joseph Campbell once said the most precious commodity for the 21st century would be time. You give time graciously: the mark of friendship. In the end friendship is our reality. "I am not now that which I have been." |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Lone Wolf: I AM lucky to have her! Mabe: Time I have! |
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