I do too, laughed the old man. She studied creative writing at the Kootenay School of Arts in Nelson, BC. So open your eyes, nurses, open and see, Somethings gone terribly wrong here,And the tunnel is getting quite hot.Guess I took that grumpy old coot act too far,So going to heaven I am not. a procession of chairs and walkers, She had lost her legs from above the knee down which made . Brothers and sisters, who love one another. If you have a poem you've written and would like to share, please submit it in my invitation below. Required fields are marked *. She actually still lives at home alone though two of my sisters live very close and one is a nurse who checks on her daily. Thank you for such a joyful visit. When I Am Old I Shall Wear Purple by Jenny Joseph: This fun poem looks at all the things an old person can get away with that a young person couldnt, like wearing outrageous clothes and saying whatever they want. Maybe one of these poems has touched your heart or even inspired you to write an original poem of your own. I do love the idea of treasure to be found and dancing with slow joy. at the end of the play summarizes what I think of my mom. Blessed are they who know my ears today Must strain to hear the things they say. (WDRB) -- Just days ago, images of 80-year-old Carolyn Coulter were shared on social media, showing she had a black eye and other bruises after being in the care of a nursing home in . ease the days Our operating costs are covered by advertising, online store sales, participating providers, and senior care partners. Glad you enjoyed the post and seeing the paintings. PLEASE REMEMBER I'M A PERSON TOO. Thanks to all who commented on last weeks post featuring ILLUSIONS: Poetry & Art for the Young at Heart by Charles Ghigna and Chip Chigna. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Now she returns with a tightly focused collection that never veers away from its subject matter: the inner-workings of a nursing home. Purple veins strain against the skin. . By I imagine your memories are a mixed bag of good days and bad days when you visited your mom. I love everything about this post. Dad was playing cards with a woman and a man. Showing respect is a wonderful way to honor elders whether theyre family likea grandparent, aunt or uncle, or friends, or simply people you encounter in your daily life. "Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at 20 or 80. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt! It has seen its share of memories and pain, The Oldest Living Confederate Widow Tells All by Allan Gurganus: This poem tells the story of an elderly woman reflecting on her life and all she has seen. There's also soo much love in care homes and caregivers really do care regardless of the simple few who give this profession such a bad name. Annoying to everyone,Stingiest person that ever lived,Some kind of jerk,Post-funeral celebration to be held at the union hall. . Youre the first person Ive met who lived in a nursing home when she was a child you must have some pretty interesting perspectives about caregiving. Samantha Reynolds is many things: entrepreneur, mother, wife, collector of great friends, and, yes, a poet. Daisy is a beacon of hope and light this week. When you see an elderly person sitting quietly alone in a park,Stop and strike up a conversation; your kindness will surely leave its mark. Blessed are they who My eyes are fine; they are just printing words small. Has long been left behind. . I admit I didn't know Shel Silverstein until I bought a couple of sheets of stamps with his name on each stamp and a silly little sketch of a cartoonish little girl. As an aide we are just looked over as if we are a "slave" to their every need. as precious and having. The volume istwo collections of poems, packed with the sights, sounds and smells of America; poems that mention Girl Guides, Ty Cobb, American states, Elvis, many quintessential American foods: burgers, cotton candy, cheese, toys like Mr. As always, stay safe, stay home and be well. I always tried to make them feel special in every way that I could. I always respected my residents and my private clients and demanded that everyone else did. Click the button and find the first one on your computer. Ask me anything the insouciance of that, and the verity behind it is just beautiful. Alora M. Knight, Poem About When A Loved One Has Alzheimer's, Inspirational Poems When you see asenior citizentrying to open a heavy door,Hold it open yourself; dont let that senior struggle anymore. The poems span fifty years of American history and cultural landmarks that elderly Americans will remember, have associations with and opinions about. We hope you enjoy it! STOP! Strangely enough, most of us live under the illusion that we and our loved ones will never become old. Its quality and content so impressed the staff that copies were made and Would love to read some of your experiences. I can remember when I wore you Wow. The poems and paintings were beautiful. Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead; I look at the future, I shudder with dread. distributed to every nurse in the hospital. But we can send in one of those little airline-sized bottles of gin and some tonic and we will toast her over the fence on the day. Hope you know you're loved this Valentine's Day! Glad your rehab is behind you and that youre doing better. The Strongest Girl I Ever Knew By My grand father is 80 years old. I can almost hear her crying out these words. Though Rose has since passed away I think she would be proud to know what a great inspiration knowing her had on my career as a full time writer of Poetry & Prose. I think of the years .all too few, gone too fast, No hugs. She died at 102 in 2012. A very Happy Valentine's Day to you. I have so many old and new memories this post evoked. The line in Samantha Reynolds poem I am the standing ovation All other content on this website is Copyright 2006-2023 FFP Inc. All rights reserved. Must strain to hear the things they say. There is now a stone where I once had a heart. Gifts frowned on. Its the last dance, and theyre saving it 'cause a lightning bolt had burned a giant hole down through that tree. So maybe death isnt a funny topic or is it? The poems we publish via our Unicorn Bay Press imprint are recommended for reading aloud in the category of poems called Spoken Word. the celebration! Upload 1-4 Pictures or Graphics (optional). But it can also be one of the most rewarding and moving experiences that will stay with us for the rest of our lives. They have such a hard job. Remember this poem when you next meet an old person who you might brush Please help yourself to some marble cake, dark chocolate pretzels, lemon, oat, and chocolate chip cookies, and of course, a warm cup of Orange Pekoe. Kiss my cheek and hold my hand. And what about my weekly card game?I just might forget that too,So Ill just wait Ill umWhat was I about to do? Dream of a Young Man by Emily Dickinson: This poem reflects on the joys and struggles of getting older, and it looks at the loneliness that many elderly people experience in old age. Oh Jama, what a fun and poignant visit. Thank You for sharing this, sometimes we need a picture into anothers life to more appreciate ours. Just a little knock. Please don't talk about me, as if I'm not around. This book-length collection of . 16. I asked my mother "how will I know when to leave?" "You'll know," she told me. Let us visit again , Living TreasuresLiving Treasures (16). A bit late but never mind. All rights reserved. Advice to My Son by Patrick Kavanagh: This poem is a letter from a father to his son, giving him advice on living his life. Do you have some pictures or graphics to add? At twenty-five now, I have young of my own, Uncertain of habit, with faraway eyes? I know I can not talk, Or even joke around. She died at 102 in 2012. I traveled, married, and worked long hours until I lost my health. Above all, never hesitate to thank the elderly for all the good things theyve done and the sacrifices theyve made. (1), They have spent their Restful sleep has proved elusive. That is so lovely, Anna. They have had sorrow and they have had joy. Think of all the history thats lostWhen a family elder passes.Those precious stories shared of oldCrumble into irretrievable ashes. (3). Share your story! When an old lady died in the geriatric ward of a small hospital near Dundee, Its a reminder that every day is an opportunity to grow and learn something new. And I wont have to talk to my mother-in-lawIf I cant remember to call.Her memory is even worse than mine,So she probably wont miss me at all. My own father died in a care facility. Theres a light at theend of the tunnelThats what Ive heard everyone say.And I know Im supposed to go toward it,But Im being waved back the other way. With bathing and feeding, the long day to fill. And thank you, Linda, for sharing your poem and mom with us this week!! Said the little old man, I do that too. She would give me money to buy some traditional soft sweets that we could share. I replied: ask her what happened in Feb 1952. Click here to upload more images (optional). Sidney celebrates all that comes with age, including wisdom, experience, and the joy of watching young people grow. Janice N. Harrington's debut collection, Even the Hollow My Body Made Is Gone, won the A. Poulin, Jr. Poetry Prize Contest and the Kate Tufts Discovery Award. 3. If you are looking for poems about elderly in nursing homes, then you are at the right place. I know he can hear because he jumps at loud noises. For my young are all rearing young of their own, Poems such as Dreams by Langston Hughes, The Tyger by William Blake, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by William Wordsworth. The young help to care for the old. Here she is: Have you ever seen such a beautiful face, such a wonderful smile? One nurse took her copy to If it moved you to write it, it may touch someone else's heart too. I was young and we had a connection but one day I heard the nurses talking about how pathetic she was for wetting her bed and not saying anything so I ran over and stomped on her foot. It is strange! Check out this collection of funny poems for seniors. Common Mistakes: the word "i" should be capitalized, "u" is not a word, and "im" is spelled "I'm" or "I am". the nurses were going through her meager possessions, they found this poem. Thank them now while you still have the opportunity. Senior citizen poems for church, love poem for seniors. keeping perfect time with a tick and a tock. Strangely enough, most of us live under the illusion that we and our loved ones will never become old. And I had just began to grow, I said to the young care worker. she may not appear to be living in your time; but she is living in her time.. A very moving poem which had me in tears as I typed. nurses and their aids throw up their hands screeches and moans rolling eyes and amputees chains and bonds invisible around each neck nails each retiree to bed and floor's vomit crumbs of breakfast dancing on the aged beards nonstop ambulances with reeling red and blue bulbs no guests dare the trip inside barred by mind and smell Happy birthday to Daisy! Copyright 2020 Jama Rattigan of Jamas Alphabet Soup. The Hands of Strangers Celebrations and beautiful moments of joy and happiness are what I wish for you on the occasion of Valentine's Day. As a member of the Old Geezers Club, I pledge to: Be crotchety to everyone I meet,Tell everyone how much harder we had it back in my day,Give the stink eye to anyone with Kool-Aid colored hair,WatchGran Torinoat least once a week,Smell like mentholated oil at all times,Kick kids off my lawn and keep their balls,Never drive over 25 miles per hour, even on the highway,Wear a sweater even if its 90 degrees outside,Remind my son-in-law hes still not good enough for my daughter,Sit on my porch, drink a beer, and judge everyone that passes by,And shake my cane at my smart-mouthed grandkids. Its a beautiful birthday party for Daisy. 15. And shes given us a poet! Beloved by everyone,Generous to a fault,One of a kind,Will be missed by all. Like Bridget, tears are running down my cheeks, remembering Mom and her cohorts, first in assisted living, and then at the nursing home. All you need is love. May they be treated with dignity. Again we know children, my loved one and me. backs hunched against the unkindness of time, Potato Head Kit, Wonder Bread, Sugar Pops and references to many other iconic foods advertised on TV. 6. One day my dad was hunting, from his favorite hunting stand; And I think of the years and the love that I've known. Now this favorite spot of Daddy's was as unique as it could be, Cant see her in person. No memorizing is needed and the play can be read several times, either with the same actors reading the same lines or changing actors to read different roles for second or third readings. (4). The copyright of all poems on this website belong to the individual authors. Youve reminded me to pull her book from my shelf to reread. Lets show our elders we respect and honor all that theyve lived through.Dont forget that if were lucky, some day well be elders too. It is genuinely a beautiful poem depicting the harsh reality of life that many of us don't really know how to handle the unwanted changes that old age brings with it. So finally I'd get the chance, to say what I want to say. I really needed to see that smiling face! Im listening to myself. these wrinkles are imprints I look at the future, I shudder with dread. Please listen very closely, oh don't try to ignore Blessed are they who So here I am, no family left, as loneliness weighs heavy on my chest. She looks back on her love for her late husband, who was a Confederate soldier, and how their relationship survived the Civil War. Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead; Do not lose your patience with me. Lenny LiannesABCs of Memory, is a collection of poems containing memories of 20th Century Americana, that will trigger memories in any elderly group. I felt it was a privilege to be able to do such work . It was frustrating for me to work with people who didn't care about the patients' feelings and seemed to forget that they were people just like us, with all the same needs. Several other dates also had the same reaction. 8. These blues are real and that's what makes them so depressing. The tea poem is exquisite Jama! The poems we publish via ourUnicorn Bay Pressimprint are recommended for reading aloud in the category of poems calledSpoken Word. And then you continue looking for those darn keys.You confuse your pets names with your kids names.You have the number of your local pharmacy on speed dial.You recognize the person youre dating in an Old Masters painting at the art museum.You think you just got the hang of video chatting only to realize youre watching an old insurance commercial with Alex Trebek. John Burningham (Mr Grumpys Outing, 1970). The young help to care for the old. Thanks for joining the celebration, Kathy. Very nicely described and also the way it became funny was absolutely fantastic. Some of them are dropped off and no one ever comes back. I dreamt I died and went to heaven,And the angels all gave me a nod,Then I met my maker and realized its true,I really am older than God! It was complicated, horrifying and exhausting. Nothing is wrong with my sense of smell. Then open your eyes, nurse; you're not looking at me. or unaided in a slow and ponderous shuffle, Touched by the poem? If not for Lindas poem, our paths might never have crossed. Then I pray, please Lord, take care of her for what else can I do? A baby bear bowl full of porridge in the morning with powdered sugar sprinkled on top. Mr Cornelius says so. Published by Family Friend Poems December 2010 with permission of the author. Were happy to announce that the lucky person whose name was randomly drawn is: The beautiful and talented Mary Lee Hahn is hosting the Roundup at A Year of Reading. The bears love to celebrate! I worked in care for 8 years before moving to China. Im grateful to Linda for sharing her poem and about Daisy. Many of the women have become little girls again. Your mom deserves a huge gold medal! The poems are beautiful. Famous poems give residents the opportunity to join in, if they can. They were sons & daughters, moms & pops too There are many poemsabout elder care and/or the elderly. Would you like to meet Daisy? I wrote this at Christmas. Blessed are they who Caring for the elderly can be a daunting task. Please, only submit poems that you have written. . The presenter doesnt need to be a trained presenter. I will lock them up together and throw away the key. understand Although the hands of the elderly may not beSmooth, supple, and unblemished,They have a beauty all their own.Each line, each spot, each scarHas its own tale to tell.Some are tales of tragedy, others are tales of triumph,But they all combine to tell the unique storyOf that treasured persons life.So the next time youre with an elder,Gently take that persons hands within your own,And look with wonder at a life truly lived. Beautiful poems and paintings, Jama! Can't see her in person. Warm wishes on this beautiful day to you. Blessed are they who Youre entitled to seconds of everything. Though I was sorry to hear Linda and her family wont be able to celebrate this landmark birthday in person, I was so relieved that her mom is okay and would indeed be observing a rare milestone next week. And forever is losing a stocking or shoe.. Oh, the people shes met, the things and places shes seen, the love shes shared in 100 years! 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