Beneath the Gathered Dust
This faded memory sleeps in my mind
covered with years of gathered dust to shield
the pain remembering brings to my heart;
but even so, the hurt has never healed.
Sometimes the gathered dust that shields my pain
is swept away to bare this hurt again.
The Nursing Home
1978
Like faded photos lying in a drawer,
so tucked away from sight of mind and eye,
the memories of which bring pangs of hurt,
this one I love, she waits her turn to die.
To join the mournful displaced of old age,
from home and family, she had to part;
she does not see the pain I also feel,
as loneliness stabs deep her weakened heart.
Oh dear Grandma, I once laid in your arms,
I was your pride and joy, your dream come true.
But life does balance joy with darker hours,
and sometimes there is nothing one can do.
I cannot bear to see your tear-filled eyes,
your robust figure turned to bones and skin;
your pleading hands that yearn for yesterday,
the smell of death and dying there within.
And though I know I'll be with you again,
throughout the time between, I choose to keep
you tucked away from sight of mind and eye,
safe in my drawer of memories you'll sleep.
Today that gathered dust that shielded pain
was swept away to bare this hurt again.
February 28, 2015
~1st Place~
Contest: Memories
Sponsor: Nayda Evette Negron
Judged: 05/06/2016
~1st Place~
Contest: Gathering Dust
Sponsor: John Lawless
Judged: 03/15/2015
Copyright © Sandra Haight | Year Posted 2015
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