smudged eyeliner
smeared across
a wrinkled cheek
within slate blue globes
dark circles frame
a welted octogenarian
cuddling safety
seeking praise
finding brutality
Author notes
When we encounter the real world of the deserted elders in our world, or even our nation, do we comprehend their need for recognition and stature?
I doubt that those who are limited to imaginary worlds, within their mind's eye, and venture out, seeking companionships, adventures in order to secure a place among strangers end up with an acceptable experience.
This piece is a statement designed to open the reader's awareness of the predictaments of abandoned seniors.
A contest entry
- Prompt Contest 15 entries less then 100 words #30 by mysticstorm.
650 points, ended November 7, 2008, 12 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
Do we know the types and levels of abuse meted out to our aged?
Comments
1 - 17 of 17
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Not fair
You know getting old, no matter what they say , is not fun. Though no eye liner for me I to feel that brutality of aging. Honest wrrite dear poet.
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Powerful piece. In the Far East the elderly historically were revered. Western civilization just kind of throws them to the side. I suppose in time, when America has its way, they'll throw them aside in the Far East as well..... really very sad.
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What an Honor
I am pleased that you found my piece to be powerful. Thank you very much.
bj
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Very emotional write in this poem. Sorry to hear about a situation like this. I thank you for expressing your feelings.Good work!
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Thank you
I appreciate your comments and hope some eyes, ears, feelings were opened and maybe some countering actions will be stimulated. Those of us who are in our senior years and have commited a life time to the human services sector have so much to tell. We just need platforms and audiences.
Thanks again
bj
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Strong emotional write that says so much truth in it...we abandon them when they are young and when they are old...very sad society we live in...excellent work to make people think...
thank you for sharing!
mystic -
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Thank you
I am pleased that you found this piece to be acceptable and prompting!
Thank you for the opportunity to enter my work in your contest.
bj
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Sensitive
Thoughtful poem that evokes strong emotions. We need to revere the elders of our society respecting their wisdom and their contributions. Thank you for the beautiful composition highlighting this extremely important topic. As usual your word selection and writing are outstanding. The image is so clear in the mind of the reader!
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Thank you
I am pleased that you find "Dark Circles" meeting your standards.
bj
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Great wording!
I've written several writes on this over the past couple years - as I was face-to-face with it on a daily basis. Neglect/abuse/total indifference - I saw it all; I cried many times; I fought, I argued, I stood up against what I saw - sometimes, maybe it helped a bit, other times not at all.....
it is such a sad situation to see these elderly just dumped off, in a jail basically, and left to die - alone.
Powerful write!
Well done!
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Thank you
I hope that you will never abandon your work in this important arena. I volunteer at a Hospice as well as sit on a board of a seniors service organization. There is a continuing need to champion and honor the elders in our communities as well as work to secure safe environments where they can thrive in the well earned station in life.
I thank you for visiting and commenting on my attempt to provoke thought about our elders and their frailties.
bj
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I am right with you here! This is a valid and urgent situation that should be attended to with utmost urgency. I was blessed to have cared for my wonderful granparents at home until they passed. I have worked in the health care field and seen such abuse and neglect. This poem struck a nerve with me. I need to do more to help the seniors in my community...it is a lack of compassion on our parts that this sadness exists. Thank you for the wake up call. A wonderful write.
Az
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Thanks AZ
I am sure that whatever you do, it will done with passion and carring.
Peace to you!
b
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beautiful write; sad and powerful
Good luck in the contest
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Thank you
Thanks for coming by, hope to benefit from your reviews and suggestions/criticisms/corrections in the future.
bj
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Thought-provoking
Thank you for heightening our awareness of this issue. It is a problem that belongs to all of us. Your write and an's are an eloquent statement that pricks the conscience. I not only appreciated the concern but thought your words were just right!
Thank you,
Solitaire
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Thanks again
I appreciate your insights and thoughts, glad you took a look today!
Have a great day
bj
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