A Matter of Convenience

A grove of magnolias perfumed the air
as they sat absorbed in one another's gaze,
she with her crochet and he with his collectibles
uneasy in their pleasure in the evening of their years.

Lawyers controlled their affairs like vultures slavering 
their prey, waiting to swoop when the timing is right,
for what use is their wealth to them now? No kids, 
no convenient callers making spurious claims, 
the power of attorney running everything, 
in their own best interests, of course.

Sunset Grove was the name of their new residence,
with their final resting place conveniently pre-selected.

But they still could make suggestions, could they not?
not really incompetent, simply eccentric and odd;
eating their meals out of red plastic bowls
and taking their medicines eight times a day,
convenient, and all for their own good no doubt,
but day after day of this treatment can deflate the soul.

One blissful moonlit night they'd had enough.
They packaged their drugs into secure containers
and shredded their records so as to break free.
They stole cartons of candy and five jugs of Ensure
and headed straight out the unguarded back door,
jump-started the motor-bike out by the tool shed
and roared off on a quest for their own sweet convenience!
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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De La Keur Avatar
March 5, 2009 at 5:27 PM
Oh i loved this!!!! You have a wonderful imagination and it is a sweet write, please continue to make us smile....Aleera
Devonshire Avatar
February 20, 2009 at 2:33 PM
Hi Keith, I've heard many descriptions of lawyers, but "vultures" takes the prize! How appropriate that they ended up in "Sunset Grove." Of course, I know some great attorneys who serve pro bono on behalf of needy clients. Did you see "I Am Sam"? Very clever write, dear friend. Love, Carolyn
Parish Avatar
February 20, 2009 at 6:03 AM
Love this write! Senior Citizens take charge of their lives...lol. You've got a great imagination...Belinda
Nichols Avatar
January 25, 2009 at 5:35 PM
This is a great story and the ending is adorable yet proud ! Love your work Keith ! Forever, Kelsi p.s THANKYOU for what you said in those comments you made my day =]
Reynolds Avatar
January 17, 2009 at 3:24 AM
YEAH! Right on Grannie and Gramps! You go - run for freedom!!! Woohooooo!!!! This is awesome! I will never give in, never! EXCELLENT poem of freedom! Love, Kristin
Köhp Avatar
January 16, 2009 at 5:02 PM
"Sunset Grove" That name is inspired! You set a great scene here and to top it all it has a great story too! Love the ending :D Nathaniel. Ps, you told me to comment on Nightscapes, I already did a while ago. So here I am instead! Glad I am to be honest :D
Wild Avatar
January 16, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Howdy, Just wanted ta say thanks fer reading my stuff, and letting me know.
Winter Avatar
January 16, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Oh this is just too precious. Only in the movies (or poetry) but what a happy ending. Freedom! Beautiful! Love, Shar
Gorelick Avatar
January 16, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Oh, this is just great..Sunset Grove..please God not me...I'm going to show this one off to my "older" friends. BG
Gass Avatar
January 16, 2009 at 11:13 AM
This is an awesome write, Keith. Where there is life there is hope and hopefully many adventures left too. You never fail to amaze and delight with your wonderful talent. This is a fav for sure. Love and hugs, Robin
Ginn Avatar
January 16, 2009 at 10:29 AM
Are you kidding Steve they got tatoos, went to Vegas and what happens in Vegas~~~stays in Vegas! How fun Keith great job! Laurie
Omaidin Avatar
January 16, 2009 at 9:35 AM
This has such a humourous and fanciful ending to a sad saga. If I ever arrive at such a day, I hope I will have a copy of The Great Escape by Keith Bickerstaffe hidden under my jacket . Déirdre Ó Maidín
Voorhees Avatar
January 16, 2009 at 9:24 AM
As narratives often do....I want to know what happens next! Great write my friend....Im cheering for them! Much love, Steve
Richards Avatar
January 16, 2009 at 8:36 AM
The Great Escape!! Good for them, God Bless them....Happy Trails to them!! ~ Loved this!!! ~ Love, Carrie
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