Laura Leiser | + Follow Poet |
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Burning Daylight

They are lined up along the long hallways
wheelchairs protruding, blocking the corridors.
The aroma of antiseptic spray attempts to mask
the pungent smell of body odors.

The loud blare of the big screen TV 
reverberates from the empty day room,
while medical staff busily sort paperwork 
behind the sterile counter tops. 

Each ancient face, each frail body
huddled beneath their blankets 
reflect a unique history, a life story
that is waning with the passage of time.

Men and women, now trapped within their
weakened bodies, once vibrant and strong
now confined and consigned to wait
away from the public eye, burning daylight.




Written on 4/28/2015

Copyright © Laura Leiser | Year Posted 2015

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Sandra Haight Date: 5/26/2015 12:29:00 PM Hi Laura, I've been away for 10 days, still catching up with PS! Congratulations on your fine win for your 'Burning Daylight' poem. Hugs, Sandra Login to Reply Laura Leiser Date: 5/26/2015 12:45:00 PM Thank you, Sandra, for your kind words! I was gone for about that time, as well, recently when we were visiting our sons in NYC. Glad you're back :)

Poet Destroyer A Date: 5/25/2015 5:33:00 PM Laura, Congratulations on your win. LOVE LINDA Login to Reply Laura Leiser Date: 5/25/2015 6:37:00 PM Thanks, Linda! I appreciate you stopping by with your encouraging words :)

Skat A Date: 5/25/2015 1:22:00 AM Laura, Congrats on your BURNING DAYLIGHT win. SKAT Login to Reply Laura Leiser Date: 5/25/2015 11:42:00 AM Thank you, Skat! I appreciate your stopping by with your kind comment :)

John Lawless Date: 5/24/2015 7:13:00 PM Laura, this one had me reflecting on the situation of so many of our veterans on this memorial day weekend. Well written, impressive and thought provoking poem. thank you for participating in the contest. Login to Reply Laura Leiser Date: 5/24/2015 7:37:00 PM Thank you, John, for placing me in your contest, too. I can see where this poem applies to our brave veterans, and have always appreciated their sacrifice for our freedom. A Happy Memorial Day to you! :)

Jiril Clemons Date: 5/3/2015 8:00:00 PM Deeply impressive poem, Laura. The vision of the nursing home, and occupants is perfectly illustrated in this metaphoric, and descriptive piece, One of the best poems I've read in a minute. Enjoyable overall. Check out some of my poems, might find some you like. Peace. Login to Reply Laura Leiser Date: 5/4/2015 5:25:00 PM Thank you so very much, Jiril! I really appreciate your kind comments. God bless :)

Hannington Mumo Date: 4/30/2015 12:43:00 AM Wow...Thanks for this orgasmic poem. I really adore the lines...7+++!!! Login to Reply

Eve Roper Date: 4/29/2015 10:27:00 AM Laura, a heartfelt emotional poem,a 7 and good luck in the contest. Blessings eve Login to Reply Laura Leiser Date: 4/29/2015 10:32:00 AM Thank you, Eve. I've worked in these places and have felt the sadness that can descend upon it, especially when there are no visitors from family or friends.

Sandra Haight Date: 4/28/2015 10:22:00 AM Oh, Laura...I read your poem and it gave me goosebumps and brought tears to my eyes. You express the most sad and pitiful way of burning daylight and it breaks one's heart. I have been there in that long hallway, watching my grandma years ago. I know that scene very well, and it hurts. Such an outstanding poem I hope to see high on the winner's list. 7+Fav. Hugs, Sandra Login to Reply Laura Leiser Date: 4/28/2015 11:24:00 AM It is a heartbreaking thing to witness, and I have also worked in such an environment, as I was a nurse for many years. I do have such an empathy for these precious older people, and I hope that serving them in some small way helped them feel better. Thanks for your kind comments, and I'm sure you were a loving comfort to your grandmother, dear Sandra.