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Poetry Day
| Open Poetry #16 |
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Poetry Day |
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Mysteria 
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada 
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 By Mysteria 11/2001 © This is now her home, an institution, strangled in ivy, and death, yet so sparkling clean in its dilapidation. The television tuned to Archie Bunker and the Golden Girls runs non-stop, and uncombed heads bob back and forth at re-runs. Men and women wander halls singly, wordless, wheeling, shuffling, bent. In and out of the cretonne rooms they go where their armies of framed photos adorn bureaus to ogle back at their owners, as unrecognized as they are to some now. It is "Poetry Day", a day they love, and they become alive for at least one half hour. I spot my dear Maggie roaming the corridor. She is surprised, as she was not expecting me. It is useless now to remind her I phoned today. She offers two hands I don’t recognize. As I hold the thin, sparrow bones mobile in the soft white flesh, cold as her heart in this place, her hand, she retrieves so carefully as not to offend me with a hurried, misunderstood withdrawal. I have suggested the lounge today, where we join the eight other women and three men, four of whom rhythmically rock back and forth in front of the television while I try to read to them. I was always told not to stare at people, it was ill mannered, yet now, these who taught those golden rules stare at my face in blankness, thinking they have seen me somewhere before. This weekly sight sets me into panic, scares me, and yet warms my heart like few things do. One lady begins weeping so suddenly not to be comforted by my Kleenex or concerns. Ah, but I brought cookies today I say, and she smiles. Each time I set before them the best china there, and they sit nibbling, sipping, and muttering, and oh but it warms my heart to know I am the highlight of this day for them. I begin my reading for Tuesday, while the occasional one shouts down the hall. Who is it today they want to know, and I always say the same thing, " you guess!" Some days they are so prolific, but not today. Soon I plainly see it is better I leave, as I tire from something meaningful to say, to pierce the impenetrable curtains of their mind. I stand at the elevator, and get innate courtesy, as always given by my "Poetry Group". "Do come soon, we should do this again." And I say, "Did you forget we do this Thursday too?" Quizzically she hands me that reluctant sparrow hand, that now opens strange doors in her midnight wanderings, and covers the sounds of strange noises in other rooms, I see that ever present panic in her eyes, as if she knows as well as I do, this is the way it is and I must go now. She turns, opens her poetry book, and begins wandering the hall, as this is now her home. ~*~ A very special thank you ~*~ I would like to thank the following poets who have so kindly allowed me to read their work twice a week at an extended care facility for seniors in wheelchairs that need constant care. They enjoy this new addition to their activity schedule so much, and several of them asked that I thank you. ~* Balladeer ~* Elizabeth Santos ~* Kit McCallum ~* Lady In White ~* Nan ~* Sunshine Thank you from 12 wonderful seniors in in 3 West and me! ~*~ Carpe' Diem ~*~ [This message has been edited by Mysteria (edited 11-06-2001).] |
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| © Copyright 2001 Mysteria 1997 - All Rights Reserved | |||
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A Whisper's Caress Senior Member
since 2000-11-03
Posts 791on the horizon of a fairytale |
absolutely lovely Look into the eyes of a man and |
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Enchantress Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113Canada eh. |
Beautiful Sharon..... |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
I am blessed indeed that you might think whatever I could share with these fine people is "good enough"... thank you for all that you do.... and share away.... |
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Magnus
since 2001-10-10
Posts 14135South Carolina, USA |
This brings back so many memories of the years I watched my grandmother wither away within the walls of a nursing home...Shoot, now I am crying... Thank you...And you may have any of my poems for poetry day... |
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Daniel J D Senior Member
since 2000-10-01
Posts 1471Hillcrest, Queensland, Australia |
This is a fantastic poem. One of the very best, I applaud you. You have touched my very heart. I have always been pained of people who gave of their lives to their children with such care and love, who somehow are betrayed into a life of misery and loneliness. There are some wonderful aged care facilities around the world that look after people with the focus on ensuring that their dignity is not exploited. However, where are the children when they are needed the most. Thank you for this wonderful work, well done. Respond to my call and let the waves of my heart fill your life with the wonders of love |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
~*~ Thank you all for your comments and also your concerns ~*~ I guess this is something we all have to look at down the road don't we? Scary thing this getting old, but they sure have wonderful programs and this particular facility is wonderful but filled with a lot of sad, lonely, and lost souls. Thanks again. |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
Sharon ... I am deeply moved by this piece. Bless you for your kindness and faithful dilengence... I know its not easy to keep going back.. I have been in this situation..... my words lack here....... so I will just say thank you for sharing this...... jm |
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Temptress
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-06-15
Posts 7136Mobile, AL |
 I worked in a nursing home about a month before we moved here to Gulfport. I haven't seen any of those precious residents since then, and I miss them so much. You just brought this feeling all the way to surface for me, and now it hurts I miss them so much. I have so many memories, and I only had to work there a short amount of time to realize how wonderfully dear these people are..and how they need such constant care. Thank you for this beautiful writing, Sharon. Its one I'll cherish. Sometimes the heart needs the solace of solitude and silence. |
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Mistletoe Angel
since 2000-12-17
Posts 32816Portland, Oregon |
 BRAVO!!! God Bless Your precious heart, sweet Sharon! (sigh) You and all these wonderful poets always make everyone feel special, we all love you so much! (kiss on cheek) HAPPY POETRY DAY!!! You have sucha beautiful heart, sweet friend, thank you for sharing! May love and light always shine upon you! Love, Noah Eaton |
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Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191Cape Cod Massachusetts USA |
I visit my own grandmother at her 'new' home - knowing she's the brightest on her ward with all of her 98+ forgetful years. I figure there's just no more room in that beatiful head of hers for any more memories - so she counts upon the ones she's already got... She recognizes us - she knows we're hers.. She just doesn't always recall which of us belong to whom... It doesn't matter - We all belong to her - and she's special - as are your wonderful friends, Mysteria. I'm overjoyed to bring a moment of pleasure to the heart of such grand souls. Thank YOU for caring enough to share with them...  |
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peaches73533 Senior Member
since 2001-11-04
Posts 981OK, USA |
Wonderful poem.you took me back to when my grandfather had alzheimers.It mad me think of all the time we spent together and the things we used to do.Thank you.This touched my heart. Peaches |
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Midnitesun
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647Gaia |
Mysteria, this is so good it almost makes me cry. Many years ago, I regularly visited a seniors care home, and played checkers and chess, and read to a few of the seniors. I always let Charlie beat me in checkers, as it gave hima week's worth of 'bragging' rights. He had no other visitors. For Margaret, I always brought Shakespeare or Elizabeth Barrett Browning. But before I could get into the second stanza, she would close her eyes, rock back and forth, and begin to recite the lines by heart. I was always the one needing the Kleenex. And I need one now. But thanks for that memory, it is so precious to me. |
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SmittenKitten Senior Member
since 2001-06-20
Posts 1131where the sky and horizon meet |
Sharon~ Oh this is just beautiful....what a wonderful thing you are doing. And you've expressed the situation so vividly that I felt like I was there, watching the scene unfold. You are making a difference in their lives sweet lady...beautiful work. Hugs, ~Krista  Your beautiful words & creativity allow me to connect with the same in myself. |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
>I am so glad this gave you all some pleasant memories, and those folks have a way of making you feel pretty darn good don't they? I have to tell you I give way less than they give me, and there is always free ice cream  Thanks everyone. |
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Flutterwings Member
since 2001-07-10
Posts 288Maine |
It takes a compassionate soul to understand or see behind the clouds of forgotten memories... You have captured the aura of their being so well. This reminded me of my mom in the nursing home and you painted her so well in a wheel chair in front of a tv set. They say they are lonely, but I'm sure they visit their past lives and I don't think they see too much what goes on around them. To them you are an angel from heaven I'm sure. A captivating read! Thanks for sharing. Love and peace Maggie ((~.~)) |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Maggie ~ What a wonderful way to think about it all really! They are just visiting their past lives. The next time I am there I will smile thinking of that, thank you. |
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Katherine Chandler Member
since 2001-03-07
Posts 280Florida, USA |
Sharon~ what you are doing there is such a blessing and surely rewarding to know you are trying to make a difference. I don't think any one really knows exactly what might be going through their minds as you read the poetry. It could very easily be bringing back something very pleasant to their minds. I applaud you for doing this- some say they will do this and never do. You do have a generous, loving heart. Major blessings always to you Love Kate Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood. |
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Titia Geertman Member Ascendant
since 2001-05-07
Posts 5182Netherlands |
I knew you were a lady who cared So many lovely poems you've shared Even if they don't show right away They enjoy that weekly read I'd say Sweet lady Mysteria I thank you for sharing Sweet lady Mysteria I thank you for caring Titia A rose is a rose is a rose...I guess... |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Mysteria~ This just all sounds so familiar~ I've been blessed to have been sharing poetry with seniors for nearly 13 years now~ I know we've shared thoughts on this before, and like I've always said, "I get more than I give." Nicely done~ ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ |
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Gentle Spirit Member Patricius
since 2000-10-09
Posts 13989 |
Sharon, this is as beautiful as your heart. God bless you and peace. On the wings of words our spirits fly....and our souls are free. |
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Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
Thanks for sharing this... beautiful piece of poetry Regards, sudhir |
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Mysteria
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328British Columbia, Canada |
Thank you all so much, and now I have to run, my daughter in law is going to give birth to my second granddaughter today! |
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Martha Cowan Member
since 2001-03-08
Posts 240Groves, Texas |
Sharon...this brings back memories of visiting my mother at only fifty years of age in the nursing home...and you so vividly capture the atmosphere that finds tears in my eyes for those lonely souls that sit and await a visit from someone ~ anyone to reassure them they are loved, and never forgotten. Your heart overflows with compassion, and I know that your visits are most cherished and treaured gifts in her heart. Very lovely, and deeply touching... Hugs and much love to you, ~*~dawn~*~ |
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