On previous visits
She’d sat up in a wheelchair
A twinkle of mischief in her eyes
We’d talk and laugh
Listening to accordion music
She had played the instrument for many years
But today she lay in bed
A tiny figure covered with a blanket up to her chin
Her eyes were closed when I walked in
Someone had arranged her hair
In a little ponytail atop her head
It looked so cute
I leaned in close and said
“Wake up sleepy head”
She slowly opened her eyes
“It’s you” she said
“yeah it’s me”
Though her voice was very weak
Her face lit up with a smile
She lay very still
But her hand came up to touch my cheek
“Would you like accordion music?” I asked
She shook her head
“Shall I play my favorite music for you?”
She nodded
And so we listened to Brahm’s lullabye
As I began to la la la to the music, she softly did with me
La la la, la la la, da da da da da da da
We listened to wonderful music for forty five minutes
And when it was time for me to go
I touched her cheek and said
“You’ve got a sweet spot on your cheek”
I’ll not wipe it off, but leave it there for next time
She smiled and we sang our goodbye song
As I walked down the hall I wondered
How much weaker would she be next time
As she lay in her bed
-
Author:
Bella Shepard (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: July 29th, 2024 14:29
- Comment from author about the poem: This is for my hospice patient, we\\\'ve become good friends.
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 167
- Users favorite of this poem: Maplespal, Teddy.15, sorenbarrett, Accidental Poet, Cassie58, MendedFences27
Offline)
Comments12
Very nice thank you for writing it.
Thank you so much for reading, and for your kind comment!
I'm touched by your kindness, even more than usual, empathy and compassion is something you have never lacked as a writer, but this is truly one that's felt and I say thank you. 🌹
Thank you my dear, you are always there for me and it is greatly appreciated. Take care!
This may be a true story but also serves as a metaphor for the passage of time and how we choose to spend it. It has a most sweet but slightly sad feel to it just as the passing of years do. A most wonderful write Bella
Thank you dear friend, you are so very kind. I love your take on the metaphor, it's very true as to the passage of time. This is an 84 yr old I've been seeing for a little over a year, and the visit we had last week was one of the most peaceful, beautiful experiences I've had.
Bella, this is a perfect and realistic picture of a journey through time as the end approaches, described with all the kindness, thoughtfulness and humanity you have in quantity.
You are the sweetest my dear. You have a depth of understanding that I truly appreciate. I have to say that this visit with my patient was unlike any other I've ever had. I always love your comments, a thousand thanks!
Relationships grow from the least likely of sources Bella. And for both of you to be there for each other will be a lasting memory of a special friendship never to be forgotten. Bless you both. 🌹🌹
Your words are so very true, it is an experience I shall never forget. Thank you for your wonderful insight, I appreciate with all my heart.
Powerful work.
Thank you so much my friend for reading and your most kind comment. Take care!
Amen. Music can save us all if we just let it. Nice work.
Thank you so much, you are so right. The magic of music can work miracle some times. If we all kept it in our hearts, imagine what a world it could be. Take care my friend!
How you managed to find and capture so much beauty under the circumstances of evident suffering (and in particular in that of a friend) only serves to reinforce my positive regard for you as a writer and as a compassionate fellow human being .. I fear my eyes would have been drowning in my own tears .. With much respect and kindest regards, Neville
Dearest Nev, your comment almost brings tears to my eyes, your compassion is boundless. When I left that day I felt as if I'd experienced somethig very rare and precious, and I thought about it all the way home. Your comments always give me a lift, and I thank you for being there, just being youu.
A moving piece. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much, your comment is most appreciated my friend.
So touching dear Bella. Your visits must be a great comfort to her. You show your compassion here. It moved me. 🌹
Thank you Cassie, your comment truly resonates. The visits are such a reciprocal experience, I sometimes think I get more than my share. I appreciate your kind words, and the compassion that I always find in your work, it is an inspiration.
It is better to go to the house of mourning, than to go to the house of feasting: for that is the end of all men; and the living will lay it to his heart.
Such a beautiful passage, thank you for such a wonderful comment my friend.
Wow. Such empathy. A very difficult task working with hospice patients, you must be loved by many of them. Now, your experience in recorded for history. A great poem. - Phil A.
Thank you my friend for such a kind comment, it is truly appreciated coming from one whose work I admire. Take care!
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