the long parking lot
no open space
in handicapped parking
condescending look
at the patient
a long time to write his name
he calls for Mom
the nurses snicker
behind their hands
in the snow
no one opens the door
man in the wheelchair
slow reflexes
the therapists declares
a hopeless case
he laughs
at the cartoon
he is still a man
Author notes
Yes, these are all about my husband. The general reaction of society to an invalid has improved some, but in many ways is still a visible form of prejudice. When I go out to take my husband for doctor visits, rarely does anyone open the door for me, struggling with a wheelchair. He can barely talk, and usually smiles in response to people's questions. He knows it is a much easier response to questions he cannot possible answer. He knows I will do it for him.
But feelings are hurt when they laugh at him, or when he calls me "Mom," because in times of stress that is how I am viewed. He knows I will protect him from society, who does not understand the invalid.
In a list
A contest entry
- The Haiku Picket-Statement Contest by NoWayJo.
600 points, ended February 10, 2007, 11 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Please tell me what you think
Comments
-
READ !!!
these are so good - straightforward, powerful and painful. I would have picketed (spelling?) if you wouldn't have taken gold!!!
love,
rachel
-
Oh my God, Susie!!! ((HUGS)) Dear friend, this is just so sad to hear from you. It breaks my heart when I see a friend sad or hurt because of how people in the outside world behave with them.
"in the snow
no one opens the door
man in the wheelchair"
this makes me want to be with you every time you take him to doc/hospital/anywhere outside home. How can people be so mean? This remainds me of this day not too long ago. It was 11:30 in the night and I had just come home with my brother after a drive outside and this gentleman, probably in his early 30's, returned from out too with lots of shopping bags. I could have pretended I had not seen him coming towards the entrance door of my building with around 15 bags, 7 in each hand. But, I held open the door for him and he was shocked, astonished, you name it...he was just staring at me, he looked tired, and his eyes said the thank you I will probably never be forgetting. Sometimes some Random Acts of Kindness really do touch hearts. I wish I could help you too. I wish that people learn to be more 'sensitive' towards you and yours and everyone in general, then this world will be so much better.
All the best in the contest. I am so moved, touched and I really do feel for you and pray your husband has more kindness coming his way.
Love and Hugs,
Charishma Ramchandani -
-
Oh, you are so sweet Charishma. I know you would help me, as you helped the man with the bags. Jo's contest was a good way to write about it, I do not write about my husband very much. Thank you for your lovely comments.
*hugs*
Susie
-
-
I know the sentiments of this haiku-chain even without benefit of the Author's Comments came right from the heart of you, Susie. Your husband loves you and everything you are so very much, not only now but always has--And I can tell you that not even knowing the man himself nor you but through this computer. The love you share is evident in everything you are for everyone--I can only imagine how he feels and loves you being on the real-life end of such joy and love and laughter.
Gosh, this is at least the second time you have caught me teary-eyed by your poetry or comments left me, Susie. It's not crying-towel tears either, but happy tears for having been blessed through this computer "wisp of light" presence you have brought to my life!
You've make not only a heartfelt statement, but a very powerful one as to issues of real-life prejudice experienced by the disabled and elderly by this haiku-chain. It was to actually SEE and thereby sense the scenes of this doctor's visit through this series of haiku.
Thank you so much for this wonderful entry to the contest!
Jo
Adding your comment:
