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Lady Lost
Member
since 2000-07-13
Posts 470


0 posted 2000-07-17 08:53 AM


Her hands are old and weak
and her body's very worn
her head is dizzy from medication
Her muscles all feel torn.
She sits around swallowed by a wheelchair
with a vagueness in her eyes
I wonder what she is thinking
as she stares away into the skies...

Has she traveled back in time?

"Ahhh! 1923!!!
The speakeasy's...ssh!
Listen to that band play on..
I could dance all night...
the Charleston, The Lindy Hop..I know them all.
dancing with the men in uniform
They certainly know how to charm a lady!
The gorgeous wedding in old St. Katherines church,
how happy Ma was to see me finally off.
Oh no not my boy...
leaving train..be careful my baby
off to Europe, a sad farewell...
I rememeber working hard at the plant
doing my part to help...
Oh and remember all those nights underneath
the moonless sky?
We held on to eachother so close
and we never did let go...
You left too soon...but you didn't let go..
I know that you are in that waiting room
up there
waitin' on me...
I'll be up shortly, don't you worry."

They call them stroke tears
but I know they are not
She has been saving them for decades
they flow an awful lot.
She tells the same old stories
Like a broken record in her head
But I know those memories are delicious to her...
she never wants to forget.




You can never have too much fiction; reality can be such a bore

© Copyright 2000 BAB - All Rights Reserved
ellie LeJeune
Member Elite
since 2000-01-10
Posts 4156
King of Prussia, PA USA
1 posted 2000-07-17 05:33 PM


How beautifully you've written about this dear elderly person and her memories.
Magnifecntly written! with so much compassion and love too!  Ellie

Summers haunting melody
that awakens
the butterflies,
calling them to join
the dance
in their silent song
of praise to God.

eL

Dennis L. White
Senior Member
since 2000-02-17
Posts 1463
Michigan, U.S.A.
2 posted 2000-07-17 06:48 PM


Lady Lost,
  This is a beautiful poem, I just love the view from this unique perspective, when people get older, we tend to dismiss them. You have pointed out so well that older poeple have dreams past and present and they are just as valid as our own. You write this so well! I am looking forward for your future post.
Dennis :^)



Moonbeams radiate
When the veiling cloud has past
Playful shadows dance

Dennis L. White :^)

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
3 posted 2000-07-17 07:14 PM


Lady Lost, there is a lot of wisdom in you, you must have an old soul...looking forward to many more from you...

Sunny

~~~Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadow.
Helen Keller ~~~

When you want to be loved, look within...KRJ



Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

4 posted 2000-07-17 08:36 PM


Fabulous poem! I really enjoyed this! I think you should make it a book selection!

Denise

midnightblues
Senior Member
since 2000-07-01
Posts 1597
Singapore
5 posted 2000-07-18 04:20 AM


A tale of the faded golden yrs...LadyLost ur words of magic weaves a web of nostalgy! *S* I love this piece and look forward to ur posts

If there cannot be equal in affection, then let the one with more be me - midnightblues™

Lady Lost
Member
since 2000-07-13
Posts 470

6 posted 2000-07-18 09:39 AM


Thank you all for your wonderful responses.  I work closely with the elderly, most of which have Alzheimers.  What a crippling disease it is.  I don't see the patients as 70, 80 or 90 year olds..I see them as young vibrant souls who love and who dream.  It is only their bodies that have grown old...

History is not just in books, history is still alive and breathing.  



You can never have too much fiction; reality can be such a bore

PhaerieChild
Senior Member
since 1999-08-30
Posts 1787
Aloha, Oregon
7 posted 2000-07-18 10:48 AM


This is so touching and brings on memories of a grandmother who was once a very vibrant person and had given up so much without complaint, including her dreams. She recounted her memories many times but I never listened near as closely as I should have. That will always be a regret. This piece is wonderful.

Poetry~ Words falling on paper, painting a dream.

Shawna R. Holder
Boise, Idaho



dgvarner
Member Elite
since 2000-05-13
Posts 3552
High Springs, Florida
8 posted 2000-07-18 11:16 AM


this is...WOW!...magnificent!!  i really love it..it has feel-good quality woven right through the sadness...

its wonderful...

(i wish you'd repost this with an option to vote on it for the book!  i want to vote yes yes yes!)

dg


"i speak in written word--my lips, no sound may utter..." dgvarner

kaile
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Ascendant
since 2000-02-06
Posts 5146
singapore
9 posted 2000-07-19 02:18 AM


Lady Lost, i believe i have never read a poem about old age during my stay at passions..thanx you for bringing me into the world of elderly people and for portraying them as individuals with dreams and hopes it kind of made me realise something new
Lost Dreamer
Member Elite
since 1999-06-20
Posts 2464
Somewhere near the Rainbow
10 posted 2000-07-22 09:25 AM


Lady Lost, This is such a thoughtful poem, you do have a sweet heart to think of and write about the precious elderly who have such vitality in their stories they tell us.
CitiZen-One
Member
since 2000-09-22
Posts 84
New Mexico
11 posted 2000-09-28 02:27 PM


Damn you write so intensely at times. I love poems that almost bring tears to my eyes. I dont want to hear about the sunny sky and windy trees, I want to feel the pain of reality.


Jon Mewett
Senior Member
since 2000-03-04
Posts 1304

12 posted 2000-09-29 04:26 AM


Lady Lost this is one of your best........its very beautiful indeed....I don't wow easily but ....WWWWWWWoooooooowwwww

You deserve it for this

Really something

jon

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