The snowflake dances on the window,
A moist streak dripping slowly.
The mark of holiday sentiment
That grips the woman coldly.
Grasping her cane tightly,
As she slowly lifts her frame,
She glances around her apartment
With a heavy ounce of shame.
With fatigue and illness plaguing her,
Housekeeping skills unknown,
She's no other choice but to wallow
In the filth of her own home.
Her hygiene now is questionable,
Hands stiff with dirt and tension,
For there is no soap that she can buy
On her measly monthly pension.
There is a table cluttered with trinkets,
Christmas gifts of old,
Useless in aiding her condition,
But worth their weight in gold.
The walls are hugged with family photos,
Many years outdated,
And while replacements are at her disposal,
She's often far too sedated.
She notices the Christmas cards,
To family not yet sent.
Similarly held hostage;
Another lonely Christmas spent.
Some nights she cries herself to sleep,
As the pain's too much to bear.
A broken hip and broken heart
Leave her burdened with despair.
Caged in this one bedroom prison,
Longing to brighten these hues,
And while a youthful heart takes her there,
Old age is the sand in her shoes.
The holiday comes and goes,
And again she is neglected,
With not even a courteous phone call
To show they are affected.
And so she sits in saddened state,
Questioning her worth,
Listening to carols
Retelling Jesus' birth.
Until one day she should arise
With a renewed sense of joy,
Awaiting the arrival of her nephew
With his wife and little boy.
She brings out her best pillows,
And crocheted coasters to match,
Arranging them on the dusty table,
Covering the dirty sofa's patch.
She sits in anticipation,
Waiting for the intercom to ring,
The door already opened
To welcome the happiness they'll bring.
They come bearing gifts,
Another trinket to add to her collection,
Along with a great deal of money
To buy medicine for her infection.
And while she appreciates the thought
And intention behind their visit,
She knows they will never understand
The value that really comes with it.
The hours pass and it's time to go,
They all say quick goodbyes,
And she stands and watches them down the hallway,
With deeply saddened eyes.
For while the visit was wonderful,
And she really can't complain,
She knows it will be another year
Before she hears from them again.
Author notes
This one came after an insanely long writer's block...kind of long, but I'd like to think it's worth the read...
It's partially inspired by my Great-Aunt...partially my overactive imagination...but more so my Aunt
Written June 14th, 2006
In a list
What did you think
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
-
Oh my goodness I'm so flattered! Thank you so much for your kind words! I will absolutely take a look at your gallery, it would be my pleasure!
Stephanie -
i know im younger than u but ur choice of words are incredible for a person of your age-i would be so privliged if i could write something as touching as this its just brilliant i would be honered if you would just have a quick look at my work and tell me what you think -thankyou.
-
Wow...thank you so very much! I reall appreciate you reading it, and the fact that you were anle to enjoy it so much! The infection is in reference to the 3rd stanza with mention of an illness. I didn't want to go into too much detail about what physically ails her since the poem focuses more so on her emotional suffering.
But yeah, thank you so much again for your support and kind words! I'm very grateful for them!
Stephanie -
amazing
This is really powerful. How a broken heart can somehow return to a memory of love and a time when these people cherished and loved her. Oh, wow. The whole poem was amazing. I don't have a favorite part. Something I did miss, what is the infection? It is probably all in plain sight, but I am just so hyped right now, I am missing it. Ok, well hey. Great write! I look forward to seeing much of your work, and anything new you might do!!
Much love, as always,
Bubbles -
Wow...thank you so very very much for your kind words! I really appreciate you reading my poem, and the fact you were able to enjoy it! Thank you again!
-
Oh I forgot to say that the lines:
"Caged in this one bedroom prison,
Longing to brighten these hues,
And while a youthful heart takes her there,
Old age is the sand in her shoes"
stirs the emotions and evokes empathy from the reader. -
Standing ovation
Most definately worth the read, a truly captivating and emotive read, full of sadness, despair and hope. I dare say many elderly citizens feel the same way, tucked away in nursing homes seemingly forgotten. I think it is a tribute to your talent to hold the rhyming scheme the whole way through. To hold it for so long and not lose any impact is rare as it can prove quite cumbersome and repetitive. Superbly done.
Adding your comment:
1 - 7 of 7
