Standards of Care
I.
running late
(damn! should have arrived earlier)
on the elevator door
‘out of order’
an oddly
angled
sign
II.
heaven
by stairs,
i guess
i’ll climb
one
more time
(should have worn different shoes)
to the office
on the eighth floor
i hear
the stairwell door
click coldly
behind
III.
breathless
i reach the door
to transition
slowly
its threshold
IV.
a young girl
stares
as I enter
measuring
my status in passing
pulling
her doll closer
(her mother smirks a phony acceptance)
V.
the receptionist
forms
care-full words
gives me papers
& a cup
to fill
‘wait here for doctor’
(butterfly smile)
VI.
a crepe paper gown
cold vinyl
no clock
no lock
&
silence
breaks with the door
opening
VII.
the doctor
his eyes
diverted away
to a chart
enters
with
‘just how long
have you had this problem?’
VIII.
my answer
i measure
care-fully
then add:
‘i brought this, my last will
with a new testament
if it helps
change anything’
IX.
his response
(superficially)
‘ no –
we are sorry
so very sorry
- we have classes
yes classes
to teach you
to cope with your pain
sorry. . . so very . . .
you may get
dressed ‘
X.
i re-dress
my fears re-start
my long
slow
descent
resorting to wishing
(once more)
how it would be
if
i had been given
different feet
~r.
.
Comments
1 - 5 of 5
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My dear richard, how I wish I could take all of the pain you must feel, how I wish I could just make it all go away for you, but I can't. It hurts me so to read these words. I read this through teary eyes just trying to keep myself composed enough to write these words. I know that my words could never take away what you are feeling, but I do hope that you find comfort to know that I am here for you if you need to chat sometime. I pray for your wellness in body, mind, and spirit. I will hold you tightly in my prayers daily. May God be with you to keep you safe. This was beautifully penned my poetic friend. Excellent job on this one. Sending you all my love.
s
becca
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~
What we understand, Dear Richard. I am amazed at how the words come together on this page to express what I have been unable to say, but have felt as well. I never seem to be able to run fast enough and my feet are in need of angels, too. So, I reach across these thoughts and wrap love around you.
~ Karen
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Wishing I could hug you tight.
Cheryl
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Walk on dear Shepherd, walk on...remember whose footprints you'll see when you look back... ...I have missed your poetry, and more- your spirit, walking these halls ...and, just for the record, let me say...I like your feet! You lead my heart into pastures I have not gone before and this is one of the loveliest yet...thanks for letting me walk with you here...Peace to you now and always, Richard Rhonda
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oh my goodness...this took my breath while chills took its place. I watched each strip pass before my eyes vividly, as if I journey'd with you. My only hope is this is your great creativity.
Have missed you dear friend.
Sam
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