On his face in the right space, was one eye that darted from right to left. That same eye, sat kind of high, and in his mouth, was about 5 thick teeth left. And on his scalp was a cleft; blood-soaked and raw from all his picking. For his hands, the doctor ordered gloves, because if not, he would shove his hands down his pants and dig his knees. On his face, was a place that measured the space of a socket. His other eye fused shut, it took time before I had the guts to look straight at that one eye and try to get to know him.
Another man’s face said, “I don’t like this place” and I was told he would be looking to escape. This man liked to race; but I couldn’t imagine the pace (some claimed that he was pretty fast). I turned back and watched him peep, thinking that he could creep pass me without my knowledge. All the signs were showing; invisible horns maybe blowing - so far he didn’t stand a chance. When I was summoned to a stall, he took off down the hall. My co-worker was nowhere in sight. When my relief finally appeared, I rubbed my hands across my hair and darted after him with all my might. Through the building I was blazing; my own speed was amazing and I caught him before he ran into the road.
On another man’s face: a frequent frown; bright red lips pointing down and so much drool I could fill a cup. In his mouth, he gnawed his thumb, but no teeth—just his gums — the stench was more than I could take. Old enough to be my father, the 8th-hour was for showers, and every hour I had to bother him to take him to the toilet. Not a word could he speak, but my hand he would seek (patting it seeming to be saying, “Thank you”).
But no, thank him. Thank all of them because through their ordeal, all too real, I have learned so much about myself.
Author notes
I worked in an institution for people with developmental disabilities. It was...a turning point in my life. Thanks for this visit.
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Comments
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Omg, this is so beautiful. I use to work with two DD guys, they were the most awesome men you could ever meet. They were roommates and were both down syndrome. They were able to do some work and help around their house and such. I loved them so. Haven't seen them in several years; but hear they are just as awesome as ever. I also worked with a quadraplegic, that was a challenge, but he was still the neatest guy. I really loved this piece.
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Oh wow! Life is so funny, huh? Just live long enough and we bump into so many people who share a great deal in common (other than our humanity...
). Thank you for reading this rather lengthy piece. (I'm trying desparately to catch up to all of your recent comments...almost...out...of...breath...lol. Just kidding). You have honored me by your impacting commentary on this. Thanks for sharing your experiences with me/us. I truly appreciate it.
AsIThink...
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This was very special. You really helped us glimpse each man and his effect upon you. What a blessing to have such an experience.. to empathize and show compassion, yes, but also go glean wisdom from the interaction. Each man is a special soul...and I loved how you spoke of their "faces" to show that. This was a truly touching piece.
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Wow...ten, thank you very much for this really incredible feedback. I appreciate that you read it through and like it as you mentioned. Yes, this was an interesting time in my life full of early learning and learning how I actually am affected by others on the levels that I was referring to. AND how I affect others. This was a special experience for me and I'm glad (especially) that you paid this one a visit.
AsIThink...
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This is a captivating piece. Very descriptive of real life but with a sort of surreal touch in the rhyme. It evoked in me memories of some of my own experiences working with people with developmental disabilities. It is life altering.
Nice write.
KW~
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What a generous amount of fantastic feedback. Thank you very much for your reading. I realize that this is a bit lengthy but I felt the pulling on me to post it 'as is' (originally I thought to break it up...then changed my mind). It's nice to know how you were able to relate to this write. Yes, it can definately be life altering (it sure was AND STILL IS for me).
AsIThink...
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Again well done
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Thank you very much.
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Gratitude
So much to be thankful for.. this is nice. you must be special man... this is not for everyone. thanks for this write -
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Thanks again. I appreciate your visit here again. Glad that you liked this piece. I don't know how special I am (well, my family excluded..lol) but I sure do believe that I have a purpose. My life went in the direction I mentioned in this piece. And I don't regret it.
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Exceptional work again Randy.
Thanks for sharing a little bit about yourself. I am sure this was quite an experience for you to be with these people day after day. They can certainly change your life. Good work on this!!
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Thanks a lot Pat...it was quite a lot. But then again, I got quite a lot from them. I saw so much in them that so many of us take for granted. I never want to go back to how I was before this experience. I said what was on my mind and in my heart. Thank you very much for this visit and great comment.
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D.E.E.P.
At first I thoght this was a setup, being so focused in on the war pieces that seem to be coming every few minutes..but then, I realized this was real, deep, powerful, touching. I can't imagine what it must be like to be them, and you just made me feel like I truly do have alot to be thankful for. God bless those poor people and God has blessed you..with the compassion you possessand the intestinal fortitude it must take to get through even a day of being in an environment such as that with all of that sadness around you.
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Luckily I am not at a loss..
This is an exceptional piece! If there could be a way to encourage everyone to read this, to feel this, to care about others the way that this piece depicts, and gain the same understanding you possess, then it would be possible for the world to be a better place. Your writing is such a gift to me every day. If I am having a bad day then I feel a bit better reading this wonderful work from you.. And if its a moderate to decent day, sometimes I can actually smile or laugh. This stirred a lot of emotion within me. I started volunteering at a home for the elderly and physically/mentally dependent in my teens. This piece brought back a lot of memories and all were surprisingly good. Thanks so much for sharing this beautifully stirring piece.
Bravo and keep the muse alive!
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This is a powerful, wonderful comment. I wrote this piece in 2006 but posted it tonight. I could never, ever have imagined it could/would impact anyone like this. Not even 1 person. I'm almost speechless (almost...lol). Thank you very, very much for these incredible words. I am honored so much. I'm am doubly glad that it touched you. Got emotions stirring in you (good ones). Wow...you are very welcome poetess.
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This is really really GREAT...
i am really lost for words... -
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Thank you very, very much. You are the first to see this (it's older piece; decided to post it today...did it in 2006).
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