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Open Poetry #40
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The Long Goodbye
| Open Poetry #40 |
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The Long Goodbye |
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Beatrice Boyle Member
since 2006-12-06
Posts 438 |
Sitting in wheel chairs Lined up in a row Just staring in space They’ve nowhere to go Vacant faces…empty eyes People scurrying past Ignoring their cries Most are alone now No one to lean on They call out to loved ones Long dead and gone There is no present…only the past Recalling their youth While their memories last When you rush down the corridor As you hasten to leave And you feel a gnarled hand As it tugs on your sleeve Hold it tight…give them a smile They’d be so grateful If you stayed awhile Is there no one Who will hear their cry? They did not choose This long goodbye Yet here they sit And they wonder …why? |
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| © Copyright 2007 Beatrice Boyle - All Rights Reserved | |||
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trutodaraiders Senior Member
since 2006-12-02
Posts 820CA |
I really really liked this poem. It brought back memories when i worked at a nursing home. I would talk and talk to my elders in delight. Not all where insane or losing their mind, I learned a lot. Though this poem paints a sad picture (heart-clinching) it brings a good point. Thanks for the reminder. |
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LeeJ Member Patricius
since 2003-06-19
Posts 13296 |
remembering as I read, a pleasant experience in a nursing home...while leaving, I looked into a room, there watching TV were an elderly man and woman, holding hands and they kissed...it was heartwarming and I smiled inside. Yes, Bea, it is nice to stop and talk for a while.... Love ya... Lee J. |
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ivordavies Senior Member
since 2007-01-10
Posts 739Chester, England |
This applies unfortunately to more sections of the community than the elderly: Orphanages Asylums Street children Beggars etc. etc. |
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passing shadows Member Empyrean
since 1999-08-26
Posts 45577displaced |
you sure make me think... and I think I could be doing more good than sitting here on my days off  |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Beatrice Boyle Wondering why is a life long process, but it gets harder and sader as you get older. Enjoyed the read. |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
My friend is a nurse in such a place-- she calls it "the people pound"  She was written up for yelling at someone's relative--he comes to visit maybe twice a year and she happens to know he lives around the corner. He had yelled at her because the pitcher of water she had brought for his little ladymom had no ice. "Grandma don't need ice [insert expletive here]--what she needs is your company." You wrote a sad truth, and it is good. Some people need reminding. |
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ivordavies Senior Member
since 2007-01-10
Posts 739Chester, England |
Bea, I know I have responded already to this, but my wife of 37 years is a carer and visits people at their own home to provide care of a very personal nature most of the time. For a lot of people the only person they have contact with is a carer who calls either once or twice a day, to help them dress, feed etc. Respect for age has disappeared in a throw away society. We both know a dear friend on another site who is a nurse in a hospice, and she often tells of her experience of people dying alone with only the carers to cry for them. You have written a very powerful piece of work here..... I wonder how many may read your words agree, but do nothing about it... Ivor |
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Beatrice Boyle Member
since 2006-12-06
Posts 438 |
Hi Bill...we can ALL say "there but for the grace of God, go I!"  Bea |
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Beatrice Boyle Member
since 2006-12-06
Posts 438 |
You're never to old for love LeeJ...they were on their final journey together...how nice they didn't have to do it alone!  Bea |
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Beatrice Boyle Member
since 2006-12-06
Posts 438 |
Thanks Shadows...call someone who is lonely today!  Bea |
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Beatrice Boyle Member
since 2006-12-06
Posts 438 |
Thanks Seymour...We are so fortunate to have children and families who love us...how sad for those who do not!  Bea |
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Beatrice Boyle Member
since 2006-12-06
Posts 438 |
Thanks Serenity...good for your friend!!!  Bea |
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Beatrice Boyle Member
since 2006-12-06
Posts 438 |
Ivor...it takes a very special person (like Joan)to care...I mean REALLY care, for these people.  As for Lucie...I only hope I have someone like her to care for me in my final hours!  Bea |
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