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“a little time to give... a little time to live, time always means so much”

Before I knew it, I could retire, everyone said it would be so great,
Having nursed for 37 years I got full pension so I took the bait.
The first few weeks I slept in and did things I never had time to do,
Then I found those things got boring, the time no longer flew.

First I did the self-help thing, got into exercise and joined a Gym,
Started a new diet, lost 65 pounds, boy I actually looked slim.
Got a new hair cut and colour, went out and bought new clothes,
Thought I’d become a better human being, but then who knows.

Signed up for a watercolour class to improve how I painted,
This transformation somehow made me feel somewhat tainted.
I expanded my horizon with broadway shows and art displays,
Yet my retired life felt empty, I seemed to be wasting my days.

So I sat down and thought about what it is that I truly love,
What fulfills my soul - I had to give my brain a little shove.
Returning to basics, at the bedside is where I want to be,
I decided to volunteer at a hospice, palliative care is for me.

Supporting dying people and their family, to be caring is all I want,
Listening to their struggles and life’s stories always continues to haunt.
Working at Day Hospice we provide support for the respite stay,
In addition I visit patients at home, so the caregiver can get away.

The touch of a hand, the warmth of a hug is so very little to give,
These people have limited time, only a few days or hours to live.
Often unsettled before the person dies, they need to tie up loose ends,
So I do whatever is required, for the person who wants to make amends.

If I can make a person’s last moments, ones that are filled with peace,
Comforting the family, sitting quietly as the person’s last breaths cease. 
My life will not be wasted and I no longer have the urge to read MacBeth,
My retirement and work at hospice allows me to love my patients to death. 


Written by Lee Ramage
August 30, 2011
For A Rambling Poet’s contest
“A Poem- Please”
Placement- 4th
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