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| Open Poetry #49 |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana 
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it's been a year already you're huddled in a wheelchair by one of two windows that look out into the parking lot in a place the world has forgotten you're rocking back and forth mouth moving maybe asking for peace within or for some respite from your dreary surroundings the smells the pitiful shrieking sounds from tiny rooms with closed doors your eyes remain closed not to see remains of lost pride which is scattered where no one ever thinks to look time means nothing anymore ©May 5, 2015 / Jerry Pat Bolton ~*~ When they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~ [This message has been edited by JerryPat2 (05-10-2015 10:54 AM).] |
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| © Copyright 2015 Jerry Pat Bolton - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Very impressive, dear Jerry. The melancholy of the situation is perfectly rendered. Too many people experience this deplorable state of things. And even the window is no more perceived as a possible entertainment ... the eyes close, patiently (hopefully) painting the final change which is feared maybe, but in the same time also intensely invoked. Sad, but very well done. Margherita |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Your comments were right-on, Margherita, Thank you . . . ~*~ When they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~ |
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devina Member Elite
since 1999-10-28
Posts 3539Cali |
At 30 I did an in-house month longlonglong physical therapy stint in such a place, I felt this one BIG-TIME Jerry! Remember spoiling everyone there...conversation saves lives in places such as these. hugs! d Open arms can be the most fragile in the world... |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Thank you Devina, and I can imagine that was a "longlonglong physical therapy stint" for sure, and I know you spoiled them like crazy. ~*~ When they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~ |
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666California |
There is an eerie, almost palpable quality to this one, Jer. My first thought was "I would die" in a place like that. I suppose many have given up the very aspect of living to take up residence in such a place. It's the being forgotten that turns such a place from a tolerance into a hell. Michael |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
I don't think many of them go to those places willingly. When no one wants to see after their mothers and fathers in their old age they stick them there. ~*~ When they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~ |
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EmmaRose Senior Member
since 2011-03-02
Posts 1376Midwest |
when the years are no longer 'golden' The thud of this is felt deep inside well done, sobering and scary |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Yes, it is a scary thing for someone to be facing, Emma. I have a plan to escape it if everything goes my way. ~*~ When they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~ |
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jwesley Member Rara Avis
since 2000-04-30
Posts 7563Spring, Texas |
When I was 17 my high school speech class went to such a place - I was Santa Claus and by the time a few of them, men and women alike sat on my lap and cried, I was crying too, and so were most of my classmates. It was one of the saddest situations I have ever (to this day) been in. On the other hand, my mother, 88, died a year or so ago, and the last year of her life was spent in such a place, and it was the best thing that could have happened. She really enjoyed being with her peers and had fun there. Of course, mom could be the life of any party, and from what I've heard, she brightened the place up. Me? Yeah . . . I'd just as soon die at home. And my mother would have too. But she needed round the clock watching as she'd rocket to another planet at the drop of a hat, and remember nothing of it. So, it was necessary. A bad thing, yet a good thing, too. Enjoyed... j. |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Sad indeed but sometimes there is no other choice. Some people can't take care of themselves and have no family. Not that they get much care in most of these places. |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Sorry to hear about your mother, Jimmy, but if she was happy near the end that is a good thing. Thanks for reading and commenting . . . ~*~ When they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~ |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
I know you are right, Ida, but it is sad that there are not more guidelines for the ones who work in these places, plus much oversight. ~*~ When they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~ |
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Lori Grosser Rhoden Member Patricius
since 2009-10-10
Posts 10202Fair to middlin' of nowhere |
It is a hard thing for sure. There is no way we could have cared for my Mom. Dementia is a terrible thing. It is harder on a person than just being in the nursing home- It won't let you remember visitors, or other happy things that might of happened during the day. Our bodies are living longer these days and our minds have gone kaput. Also we don't live with our seniors like we used to so we are in general uncomfortable with the process of decline. Nursing homes have come a long way from what they used to be.~L |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
From what you have told me, Lori, you were fortunate to find a nursing home which seemed to be a step ahead of most of them. Plus you are there for your parents. You write and recite poetry for those who are confined there. <b>~*~ When they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~</b> |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
realistic writing...james |
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JerryPat2 Member Laureate
since 2011-02-06
Posts 16975South Louisiana |
Thanks James. ~*~ When they give you ruled paper write sideways. ~*~ |
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