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Open Poetry #1
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The Nursing Home
| Open Poetry #1 |
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The Nursing Home |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA 
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I had put Momma in a rest home. There simply was no other way. She needed care I couldn't give her; Her mind had finally slipped away. I went to visit her twice daily. I took her books and told her jokes. I tried my best to give her comfort... She never smiled. She never spoke. Spring turned to Summer, then to Autumn As life routinely plodded on. I went to visit Mom one Sunday. This time I took my my dog along. I had tried everything to please her And I had hoped my little pup Could somehow tickle Momma's fancy And, in some small way, cheer her up. Well, I could feel something was different The very moment I stepped in. That face that hadn't smiled in months now Began to show a little grin. The puppy licked her face. She giggled! She acted silly, like a child. She rubbed his ears. He wagged his tail! And, through my tears, I saw her smile. I sat and watched them play together Unit my staying time was done. I told her he would come back with me. She smiled and said, "I love you, son". As I stepped out into the hallway A row of wheelchairs all lined up! Small, pleading faces asked politely If they could kindly touch my pup! So, one by one, I let them hold him And watched as they laughed with delight. They giggled as he licked their faces And then they squeezed and held him tight. That night in bed, beneath the covers, Contented smile upon my face, I contemplated all that happened And what had really taken place. I came to realize the answer... That it is one of life's true facts; We all need something there to love us And we need something to love back. |
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| © Copyright 1999 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
This has to be one of the most beautiful poems of yours that I've read Bal! I only hope that if I ever have to see my parents in a nursing home, that I can bring a smile to their face! (PS, this reminds me of a report I saw that showed nursing homes "adopting" kittens. It proved to be a great moral boost for the patients there. I think it's like you showed here, we all need to love, as much as we need to be loved!)  ------------------ Everyone has a photographic memory... ...most of us just don't have film! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you, Christopher. I agree completely. This is actually a true story...didn't happen to me but to friend of mine who told me about it. Of course, I had to write it down. |
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redwriter1 Member
since 1999-07-22
Posts 480Franklin, TN |
The scrawny, wet, starving kitten that showed up on my doorstep today, thanks you. (p.s. he's warm and fed and dry now) Rescuing others from pain is a an opportunity for joy unknown to most. ------------------ Kay-lynn **A dream is a wish your heart makes :) |
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DreamEvil Member Elite
since 1999-06-22
Posts 2396 |
Revered Elder, this one made me misty. That's no small feat. I know well the healing power of animals and the unconditional love they give. Again I say, well done. ------------------ Shall I indulge in flights of fancy hampered by clipped wings? DreamEvil© |
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RainbowGirl Member Elite
since 1999-07-31
Posts 3023United Kingdom |
So true and there was me trying not to cry but the tears and the smiles of the memories you brought back gave rise to one more rainbow...:-)) In our hospitals they try to have a volunteer bring round a dog every so often as stroking an animal is thought to bring positive thoughts and help people to heal much faster.. HUGS ------------------ You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give. |
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LngJhnAg Member Elite
since 1999-07-23
Posts 3508Boot+Kitty=Poetry in motion |
'Deer Nice poem. It reminded me of my mother and sister, who have about a gazillion animals. My mom is 85 now, and as alert and active as she ever was, even with a recent hip surgery. Maybe animals are OK *g*. |
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Lorelei54 Member
since 1999-07-27
Posts 458 |
Very sweet and tender...makes me think of my 98 year old Grandmother who is in a home, phyically in fair condition, but no longer at home mentally....I don't get to see her often...but, I love her with all my heart. She probally shaped who I am as much as my parents did. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Great job, 'Deer one!!! I'm lucky in that my Dad is still able to care for himself... but I've seen the difference in his spirits from being there alone to having pets to care for. Not only do we need to share love... we need to be needed. *S* |
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hoot_owl_rn Member Patricius
since 1999-07-05
Posts 10750Glen Hope, PA USA |
Isn't it amazing the effect that pets can have on people? ------------------ "Nobody has measured, not even poets, how much the heart can hold" ~Zelda Fitzgerald |
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Seymour Tabin Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720Tamarac Fla |
Balladeer, You hit the nail on the head The pet a day that you said. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
My mother [in law] is not in a home; she's in her home, and at 90, sometimes this is a marvel indeed. I know that while she doesn't want the responsibility of a dog or a cat, she's simply thrilled when we bring our Abby over for "treats and pets". I think she runs on that adrenaline for two or three days, at best. A wonderful message, and a fine service you've done, Balladeer, for letting others know the way we can better our health [and others] through the love of our pets. ------------------ Sunshine Words will always express our feelings true. ~~~ KRJ Look, then, into thine heart, and write ~~~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow |
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Elizabeth
Moderator
Member Ascendant
since 1999-06-07
Posts 6871Minnesota |
I liked this one a lot, Balladeer. Glad to hear how happy your friend's mom and her nursing-home companions are now. What a story! ------------------ *Elizabeth* "Dwelt a maid belov'd and cherish'd by high and low, But with autumn leaf she perish'd, long time ago..." |
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Deb Lynne Member
since 1999-08-19
Posts 180Where blue skies meet blue ocean |
You just keep getting better & better! God has given you the greatest talent! Keep it up! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Thank you all for your kind compliments. I will, Deb. Thank you. |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
I understand the story of this poem, old people need to have love and give love...but it's world wide, don't you think? When we feel blue and one of our pets comes over and looks at us saying "I love you no matter what", it makes our day brighter. Unconditional love....only the young, the old and a very few special people are able to give that! Balladeer, your words inspire, delight and move me! A talent like yours is something as rare as unconditional love. Thank you!  |
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Delores Hall Member
since 1999-07-16
Posts 342USA |
How very true.Happy writing. |
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Terri Member
since 1999-08-08
Posts 82Turtle Creek, PA |
Smilin' through my tears. That poem hits very close to home. My mother-in-law was in a nursing home until July of this year. Her mind, too, had slipped away. My husband was able to take a few days off and went to Alabama to see her. He turned out to be her "puppy" and it was the best day that she had had in months. He was so overjoyed to get a glimpse of the mother he knew and loved. She passed away a few days after he returned home. |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
Balladeer,Simply beautiful. And so on top of the situation. marty |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
You have no idea what these visiting animals actually do for the people living in these places, they are a wonderful addition to the programs for the aged. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
I agree, Sharon. I've seen them in action. People have no idea how much good YOU do there,either. Still with the ladies? |
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TomMark Member Elite
since 2007-07-27
Posts 2133LA,CA |
I can't believe that you cheated my tears out this time with other people's life experience. You certainly have a poetic heart and of course a very kind one to catch all the details. I spent last two months taking care of my mother day and night. Tried all kind of jokes to make her laugh ( I did, almost daily) which no doubt helped her recover sooner from her stroke and slow her early stage of Alzheimer. I don't mind that now and then if not sleeping well , she could not recognize me. She is 84 yr. Now you know that I am well old enough to lecture you  and that is why I took serious matter with a lighted heart and I tried to tease you and others because I believe that a good laughter is the best medicine to heal physical and mental suffering. And A happier heart will smooth the past and bright the future. And I do wish all kind people happy. I still can't believe that you cheated out my tears...lot of them. Well, it is not the first time that you cheat good people. Tom [This message has been edited by TomMark (12-26-2007 06:06 PM).] |
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Jaki H Member
since 2008-01-19
Posts 232NJ, USA |
I LOVE this!!!! its so true! amazing poem! |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Tom, I'm sure you meant cheat in the right way and I thank you for the kind words and you sre right about laughter. Jaki H....I thank you and welcome you to the site  |
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Margherita Member Seraphic
since 2003-02-08
Posts 22236Eternity |
Strange thing happened now ... in almost five years that I am a PIP member I had never ever clicked on Today's Topics and now I am here in tears!!! Open poetry 1!! 1999, wow! I think your poem is a wonderful lesson of love, dear Balladeer! Some memories surfaced. I have visited loved ones in those places. Even if they were well looked after in nice homes, they all craved their own home where they could no longer live on their own. I enjoyed finding your words here now. Pets are almost vital I think! At every age, but mostly so for children and aged lonely people. I think I'll go and hug my sweet cat and tell her your story ... love Margherita |
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Bob K Member Elite
since 2007-11-03
Posts 4208 |
Dear Balladeer, There might be an article in here as well, if you do a little background research. I know very little—okay, nothing—about journalism except for the occasional prose guy I've run across, but this is a good human interest story here. There's also a lot of fine feeling here. Thanks for posting it. BobK. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Margherita, welcome to the archives! Yes, I agree with you on their feelings and I thank you for being touched. When you have finished hugging your cat, come on over. I have seven that would welcome the same treatment! BobK, yes, it is a human interest piece which has a lot of truth in it. Thank you for enjoying.. |
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