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Open Poetry #20
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Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania

0 posted 2002-05-05 03:36 AM



Touch Me
(Thoughts from a Nursing Home)

So warm is the touch of your hand pressed in mine
So long since I’ve felt this affection divine
That rush of elation I’m craving so much
That comes with the smallest and gentlest touch

In the light from my window, your lovely face glows
You touch me, and depth of your honesty shows
I’ve not been bestowed such affection in years
I can feel my face smile through oncoming tears

I was only a name to you, never a face
And now you have blessed me with loving embrace
You’ve come to my bedside so anxious to find
An aunt that the others had all left behind

You touch me and new life springs into the earth
You touch me and life has new meaning and worth
When you cradle my hand, it’s my heart that you hold
So heavy a burden for a seven-year-old

The path of my life will soon come to an end
But your mother has promised to come back again
The footsteps now laid out before me are such
That they’ll linger a bit just awaiting your touch

Elizabeth Santos

© Copyright 2002 Elizabeth Santos - All Rights Reserved
Rick
Member Elite
since 2001-06-21
Posts 2903
Victoria, Australia
1 posted 2002-05-05 06:59 AM


Dear Liz, how beatifully you write, a tear near came to my eyes feeling the emotions of the elder, I could see the child standing there and the loving touch of hands, filling the heart of one and everlasting memories of the other.

Great write,

Sincerely Rick

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
2 posted 2002-05-05 09:27 AM



When I first came to Kansas, I was introduced to a sister-in-law of my mother-in-law, who had been in a nursing home after suffering a stroke, and she was there for some 15 years.  In the year that I came to know her from the visits, I was very aware that I was just a person in the room, having never met her during her time of good health, but still, I felt she was glad to look upon anyone's face, even though she could not talk, so we never really knew if she was aware or not.  I have always felt there was "some communication" even in the silence...

ah, where your writings take my thoughts...thank you, Lady Santos...

Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
3 posted 2002-05-05 09:48 AM


Dear Elizabeth,
You have a magic pen. Love Sy

Mysteria
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Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
4 posted 2002-05-05 02:16 PM


I have not the words right now for this one, but will save to read to those that will understand Liz.

Imagination is more important that knowledge
~* Einstein said so *~

Mistletoe Angel
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Member Empyrean
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816
Portland, Oregon
5 posted 2002-05-05 04:24 PM




(tears fall down my cheeks) God Bless You, sweet friend, now I am flooding in tears after reading this, this is soooooo beautiful just envisioning the little children reaching out to the elders with an angels love! (kiss on cheek) This is sooooo compassionately beautiful, I love it, we all love you so much! You have such a beautiful heart, sweet Elizabeth, thank you for sharing!



May love and light always shine upon you!

Love,
Noah Eaton

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

Shakira

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
6 posted 2002-05-05 04:42 PM


Rich, we don't consider the feelings of the elderly . But they do have feelings
Thank you for your comments

Sunshine, The moment my daughter in law came out of surgery, I commented, "She still looks beautiful" Days later when asked if she remembered anything about her ordeal, she said "yes, Elizabeth said I looked beautiful". She had still been out cold at the time. I enjoyed hearing your experience

Mysteria, I just knew you would take this to someone who understands, and you, my dear have held many hands

Liz

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
7 posted 2002-05-05 04:45 PM


SY, You, dear man have the magic pen. Mine is a litttle rusty, Glad you liked the poem

Liz

Noah, your remarks are always a pleasure
Your heart seems to smile when you read poetry
Thank you

LIz

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
8 posted 2002-05-05 05:40 PM


Elizabeth, as the title says...this one touched me deeply.  And how beautifully you express yourself.  Thank you for this.
~Hugs~

Nightshade
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Member Patricius
since 2001-08-31
Posts 13962
just out of reach
9 posted 2002-05-05 06:00 PM


Elizabeth - Very touching - enjoyed. Chris

Life is not measured by breaths you take, but by moments that take your breath away.

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
10 posted 2002-05-05 06:19 PM


Liz

As a child I spent many hours in a nursing home visiting my greandmother, who most of the time thought I was my mother.  Her need for human contact was obvious to my young heart.  Now, I deliver flowers to many, who would rather I leave my hand and smile then beautiful flowers.  I understand.

Loved your poem, dear...and your heart!

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
11 posted 2002-05-05 07:40 PM


Enchantress and Chris, I'm glad you liked this poem Thanks so much for commenting

Martie, Your response means so much to me, and I know you must have seen many lonely people in delivering your flowers. There are many who never feel an embrace.
Thank you, dear

Liz

Sven
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937
East Lansing, MI USA
12 posted 2002-05-06 02:51 PM


excellent. . .

I know this. . .

------------------------------------------------------------

To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world.

ethome
Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858
New Brunswick Canada
13 posted 2002-05-06 03:04 PM


How touching and beautiful Elizabeth! I truly love how you developed this piece. You're still writing marvelous poems with super rhyme schemes!
Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
14 posted 2002-05-06 03:22 PM


Sven, I know this to be true for many

Ethome, Thank you for your compliments. Your words always mmean so much

Liz

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