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Open Poetry #25
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Suetang
Member Ascendant
since 2001-03-07
Posts 5187
Melbourne, Australia

0 posted 2003-03-25 08:23 PM


The other week in our daily newspaper
I read a story about an old woman whose
body had recently been discovered in her
home.She had been dead for over two
years.I read the story and was so
saddened by the fact that no one had
missed her or had been looking out
for her that I felt the need to write
about Elsie Brown's sad and lonely
existence.

* * * *

Her name was Elsie Brown
And she died two years ago
How she chose to live her life
No one bothered to know

They found her skeletal body
Sitting upright in a chair
She was shut out from the world
No one knew she was there

Barricades across the windows
So she couldn't see the light
No one kept her company
As the day turned into night

The neighbours showed no interest
She was void of human touch
Such a simple show of affection
For some was just too much

There were no kindly gestures
Not even a smile or wave
It seems that no one really cared
All alone she went to her grave

What has happened to our society
When our elderly lose their way
For so many the sun is shining
But some don't see a single ray

* * * *

"Loneliness,
and the feeling of being unwanted
is the most terrible poverty"

I am in motion
I am blue
Love is an ocean
I'm anchored in you
- Shawn Mullins

© Copyright 2003 Sue Tancheff - All Rights Reserved
Alwye
Moderator
Member Elite
since 1999-06-16
Posts 3850
In the space between moments
1 posted 2003-03-25 08:54 PM


This is truly a sad tale...any time when humans lose their sense of humanity is a tragedy.  Thank you for writing her tale so that she may be remembered.  

*Krista Knutson*

"If we have no peace, it is because we've forgotten that we belong to each other." ~Mother Teresa

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
2 posted 2003-03-25 09:25 PM


So sad Sue...
and so very kind of you to remember her...
May she rest in peace.
~Hugs~

~Somewhere in my heart I'm always
dancing with you in the summer rain~

Mistletoe Angel
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Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
3 posted 2003-03-25 10:08 PM




(tears fall down my cheeks) Oh Sue, this is terrible, dearest friend, no one should ever be left alone by all means as we all bleed the same color and all have feelings and I am so terribly saddened that she didn't feel the love she deserved ever so much! (wipes tears) I pray that these tragedies will never repeat themselves in the near future and we can all live together in harmony, God Bless You, I pray for all those who need love, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Sue, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

"Underneath your clothes there's an endless story..."

Shakira

NewEnglandlazurlu
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-01-04
Posts 7470
A Mountain Paradise
4 posted 2003-03-25 10:13 PM


Hi Sue, Seems unimaginable that no one knew she was gone -- for 2 years. This is  gut-wrenchingly sad.

Sue, you are like an angel to this poor soul. Because of your words, she will be immortalized. Bless your heart.

Hugs and luvs, Marti

Few are those who see with their own eyes and feel with their own hearts.  A.Einstein

SmartChick
Member Rara Avis
since 2001-09-23
Posts 7081
On A Journey To The Unknown
5 posted 2003-03-25 10:46 PM


Oh Sue, this is so sad.
Trillium
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Member Patricius
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098
Idaho, USA
6 posted 2003-03-25 11:30 PM


Sue:  What a sad story and unfortunately, one often reads of this happening. Especially in the large cities. You have written it very well.

Betty Lou Hebert

littlewing
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
7 posted 2003-03-25 11:34 PM


Sue - what a beautiful tribute you have given this woman - good for you!  I think of things like this when I see an elderly person touting five grocery bags and walking in the snow and ice - makes me think - what is wrong with this world indeed (yes and I did help that elderly woman in the snow *wink*) Nice job  xxoo  
garysgirl
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Member Laureate
since 2002-09-29
Posts 19237
Florida, USA
8 posted 2003-03-26 01:15 AM


Sue, you are such a kind and tender-hearted person. It shows through in this poem. This is such a beautiful rememberance for this woman.

Heart Hugs,
Ethel

Ratleader
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-01-23
Posts 7026
Visiting Earth on a Guest Pass
9 posted 2003-03-27 01:31 AM


o0o0o0o000o00oooo.... makes me want to go out and howl at the moon! What a sad tale, and how well told....

~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>   ~~(¸¸¸¸ºº>  ~~(¸¸ ¸¸ºº>    ~~~(¸¸ER¸¸ºº>
______________Ratleader______________

Marge Tindal
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Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
10 posted 2003-03-27 08:59 AM


SueTang~
My God, how this touches me~
I appreciate you sharing this ...
as part of my community's 'No One Is Alone' outreach program .. I'd like to share this with them~
*Huglets*
~*Marge*~

~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com                        

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