On the first day she told me, 'my family is coming to visit tomorrow.'
The nurses smiled the same plastic smile they always did. 'That should be exciting for you,' I replied, hinting subconsciously at the lack of excitement which her surroundings afforded her.
She was trapped in a beige prison. Surrounded by decaying walls and minds, wrinkled hearts and halls. Her liberty long since resigned by the good intentions of others; the same family who were coming to visit the next day I imagined.
Three days passed before I saw her again. The same group of hyena nurses wheeled her past me in the hall. 'My family is coming to visit tomorrow,' she said, jubilant and carefree. They reassured her with their prerecorded smiles and soft, simple words.
She was living in a loop of eternal optimism. However, I drew no comfort from this.
I wondered what would happen on the final day. She would lie there; and as the machines and medical miracles could no longer sustain her, her final thoughts would assuredly wander, to the one prospect from which she derived all hope and pleasure in her one-day existence.
She would pass on, without saying goodbye, without speaking one final, 'I love you,' without anyone who truly cared for her; and the knowledge that these final comforts, were only one day away.
Comments
1 - 15 of 15
-
Excellent job you did on this! So much thought and emotion put into it. The last line drawing the readers empathy, while the nurses attitude showed no feeling. I like the reference to the "hyena nurses", as I have personally witnessed this patronizing attitude from co-workers. You relate the story in great detail, a very honest look at the real world today!
-
I agree with the prospect of you being a great novelist oneday. I worked with a home health agency at one point and had the "privilege" of seeing this first hand. Both of my clients were trapped in a loop that was infact a cube of comfort and joy for them, however, one was always begging to go home. The fact being that she was in her home. Very haunting, you know? That is what this write brings forth for me. It serves as a well written, albeit a bit morbid, honest take on life, past and present, and dying. Very well done. I'm gunna add you to my fav's list!
-
oh, this is so sad and well written. truth be told, i was hesitant to read this at first, didn't expect to see something proselike (not saying this is straight-up prose), but once i started reading, i was hooked. you are very gifted and apply it well. i think i might need a tissue!
thank you so much for sharing such an amazing write. i am going to add you to my favorites, if that's okay, and will be anxiously awaiting your next sweeping collection of words. please don't just stop here. you are very, very talented; please write more.
-
-
Wow, thanks so much for that.
I will write, when I think of something else worth saying. This was just one of those moments that has always stayed with me and affected me quite deeply.
-
-
you have a great way of letting it out. you really do. if that means anything to you. thank you for writing it.
-
-
-
wow, let me be honest..reality bites.
this is really stupendous! really good. keep writing i am sure they all will be just as amazing.
-
-
oh, but ... one little thing, if i may?
The same group of hyena nurses wheeled her passed me in the hall.
"passed" should be "past". other than that, this is perfection!
-
-
Why yes you may.
-
-
-
you may prove to be a great novelist one day if you are not already.
I enjoyed this. It held my attention which is what a good writer does, hold the readers attention
-
well
What can one say other then this is one gut wrenching write. Perhaps a write that needs to be featured somany can feel your powerful words.
-
As the granddaughter of someone in this type of situation... its hard to read.
For me, my grandfather has no motor skills left, and no memory of who I, or the rest of my family is, at least consciously.. but I do recognize the faces in the nursing homes who never have visitors, and it always makes me sad.
The man who will never remember that I was even there...
and the many other who will remember no one was there...
Fantastic write. I eagerly await your next poem.
~*~Poetryistherapy~*~
-
Very very good. Wow!!!! Bravo! keep penning
-
This is splendid. I am almost holding back tears. you're writing is elegant and beautiful!
so vivid.
-
-
Thanks zappa. I'm glad you liked it.
-
-
More of a prose vignette than a poem, but thoughtful and touching. Welcome to AP.
Adding your comment:
1 - 15 of 15
