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Open Poetry #10
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The Nursing Home..........repost by request
| Open Poetry #10 |
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The Nursing Home..........repost by request |
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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 2000 Michael Mack - All Rights Reserved | |||
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ggrn3 Member
since 2000-08-17
Posts 433Nahunta Georgia U.S. |
Oh Mr. 'Deer Your tender side can really bring a tear to the eye. This was excellent. I hope you don't mind if I print this one. My grandmother would really like this. Garfield |
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vlraynes Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-25
Posts 8229Somewhere... out there... |
balladeer- wow...responding with tear-filled eyes. this is so beautiful, and so touching. how true it is, that we not only need to be loved, but also to love.  God's creatures are so easy to love, and they love us back unconditionally. thanks so much for sharing this. -vicky "...until you have read the verse on his heart, you have not truely met the poet." -vlraynes |
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Elizabeth Santos Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269Pennsylvania |
This is a beautiful poem, andI have seen such stories on TV where patients have actually improved with visit from animals, which give absolute unconditional love. This poem pulled a few heartstrings Liz |
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Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
'Deer winsomely awesomeKethry "It is the image in the mind that links us to lost treasures; but it is the loss that shapes the image, gathers the flowers weaves the garland."- |
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Marge Tindal 
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Balladeer~ This one touches me again. An area nursing home has official once-a-month Critter Days ... it is such a pleasure to take my little Toy Pomeranian and let her dispense kisses all over the place. 'Dallas' loves it and the kisses are returned over and over again. Shucks, the administrators of the home don't even care if Dallas and I stop by weekly - which we usually try to do ! The joy in sharing this little critter's love always leaves me smiling too ! Wonderful poem, Balladeer. You touch my heart. 'We all need something there to love us And we need something to love back.' Love ya' ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Toerag Member Ascendant
since 1999-07-29
Posts 5622Ala bam a |
My oh my.....he ain't lost his touch...fine work ya old bugkiller...... |
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2dalimit Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228Mississippi coast |
Dear Balladeer, I too had the same experience. My mother was in the home for only 16 months when I lost her. I vented part of my grief here as my first poem at Passions. Since then (the Dog) has also passed away. Thanks for the beautiful memories of both of them. Melton |
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Irie Senior Member
since 1999-12-01
Posts 1493Washington State |
I remember this one! You know, I think I might go visit my Great Grandmother who's 99 years old and take my son along to visit with them all. The last time they all grew smiles! Thanks 'deer, I love this one ya' know!< !signature--> ~Sheri [This message has been edited by Irie (edited 09-24-2000).] |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
you just need to be kissed for this one... *smooch**smooch* ..and one for the pooch.. oh when you write wisdom we all get wiser.. love this gift from your pen Michael ... so cool are you  later-gentle-poet-gator me |
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Mark Bohannan Member Rara Avis
since 2000-06-21
Posts 7269In the winds of Cherokee song |
A man with a greater heart I have never known. I commend you on just being you and offer my heart felt thanks for allowing this cowboy a reason to tear up. |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Oh boy ... you got my tears going Michael ... I'm having a sad puppy day today, and you just got me goin' again, in a lovely, sweet and tender way though. Have I told you how much I love your writing? Best wishes, /Kit |
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inot2B Member Elite
since 2000-09-18
Posts 2205Arkansas |
Balladeer you have forever sealed my devotion. I did not know that you could bring to my heart so much emotion. Never again will I believe bad stuff they write about you. Thank you for opening your heart and giving us a view. |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
Gaefield....I would be honored and thank you! Vicky...yes, they are...they are the true epitome of unconditional love (with the exception of my ex-wife who was a dog but lacked that particular quality )Liz...thenk you so much for responding. Yes, this is ondeed based on fact... Kethry...two words that say it all...thank you! Marge...I know that you spend a lot of your time volunteering in nursing homes which just shows how much of a beautiful and giving person you are....as if nobody here knew that ! Thank you, my friend.Toerag....I figured if I mentioned nursing homes you would appear. When did they let you out? You have no idea how happy I am to see your name, reprobate!!Melton....I thank you for your very sincere response and am sorry for your loss. Irie....I'm sure she would be delighted to see you!! Yes, by all means, go....and thank you. Janet Marie...you just have no idea how your wonderful responses make me feel. You are a sweet person and I thank you very much Mark....My pleasure, sir. Comments from those I admire are extra-special, as yours are. Kit...I know those sad puppy days  Yes, you have told me but...please don't stop! inot2B..thank you SO much for such kind words. I'm sure they will continue villifying me, that being their nefarius nature, but it's nice to know you won't believe them I appreciate your kindness... |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
Yes we do! Very true! This is really sweet, Balladeer! Denise |
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Tennessee Angel Senior Member
since 2000-06-03
Posts 661Tennessee |
Ah, an area close to my heart as well! This is a lovely piece full of tenderness and life lessons. Give more, take less. Wonderful writing, Balladeer!! |
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Temptress
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-06-15
Posts 7136Mobile, AL |
Thanks for reposting this. I enjoyed reading it. A few poetically appreciative eyes have seen this poem of yours at work since I last read it. They enjoyed it. Thought you'd like to know. My name isn't Baby, and I don't want to cyber. |
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Temptress
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-06-15
Posts 7136Mobile, AL |
Sorry..Can I blame AOL for this stall and then double posting? Is it that easy? Geesh!! [This message has been edited by Temptress (edited 09-25-2000).] |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
Hmmmm... I open a poem about nursing homes and find both Balladeer AND Toerag running around in here? *G* RESERVE MY ROOM!!!! (Though I STILL can't catch up with him! *G*) This is great, Deer one... I remember it well! |
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serenity blaze Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738 |
I know about this, as I've a friend whose dog volunteered at the local nursing home..."Rags" was the resident "darling" there, until she was forced into retirement due to her disdain for the other dogs there...it's a remarkable thing to see, tho. Thanks for the smiles... |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
This made me want to hug you!!! Kathleen |
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linda munday Member
since 2000-06-17
Posts 315Adelaide, Australia |
Why do I take so long to look at your poems? Every one of them has everything you tried to teach me... they're great. This one however.... is one that I will remember easily. Balladeer, pass some of your talent out....man oh man.. you have way too much. See you around the place, Linda Munday. |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I'm glad you linked to this from a discussion thread...I had missed it! But not now! |
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