Forgotten Patient

Forgotten Patient

The patient sits
Staring out the window,
The nurses talk to him
Like he’s a child,
But he just sits
And stares
Looking out the window.

Once he was a young man, 
Growing,
A husband out earning, 
Now widowed,
A father holding
His children so dear,
Now living there lives.
This man that fought
During World War Two.

He may no longer talk,
But he is still
A person.
No need to
Treat him so bad,
It could be your dad.
He sits and looks
At the world going by 
Outside.

Decisions made for him,
But not what he wants.
He sits feeling like
He’s forgotten,
No one cares no more,
For this brave young man
Stuck in a world,
He can’t escape.

Suddenly,
He gets up, 
Gather’s his things
Walking out.
No one sees him go,
This lonely old man
Just walks back home,
To get on living
His life, his way.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Timperley Avatar
December 15, 2015 at 10:11 AM
We worked in a hospice shop, my wife & I. vigilance makes you 'see' this man, that woman. So, you go chat. It may be for just a minute, but it can last all day and through a possible lonely night for them. Now we do the same thing in the Hospice proper. Not looking for that medal or pat on the back because there but for fortune go I. Great write a worthy 7.God Bless. D.
Underwood Avatar
December 17, 2015 at 7:27 PM
Thank you Dave. Very true a minute or even a few minutes spent talking means so much and makes that persons day a little more bearable, God Bless
Morgan Avatar
December 11, 2015 at 9:54 AM
Well done. I like this poem, particularly the first and last stanzas. Suggestion: last stanza, use "walks" instead of "walking". Just a thought. Again, well done.
Underwood Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 2:40 PM
Thank you for your feedback Robert, I can see where your coming from with your suggestion, but i used walking as being elderly he is walking slowly, and the sad thing is he would still not be seen. Also the last stanza already uses the word walks.Thank you for your feedback
Lofquist Avatar
December 11, 2015 at 5:26 AM
So true. Veterans seem to be the forgotten ones in so many ways. It's such a pity. Nicely written, lures one into a somber mood.
Underwood Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 2:31 PM
So true John, Thank you
Barney Avatar
December 10, 2015 at 8:37 PM
Touching poem. My favorite part....just walks back home to get on living his life, his way. (I almost shouted lol) I have a soft heart for the elderly and veterans. So unappreciated at times and mistreated.
Underwood Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 2:25 PM
Thank you for your feedback.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 10, 2015 at 8:22 PM
Excellent Gail... deliberately sad, as I know this is happens more often than we may care to admit. Superb characterization. Best wishes, Keith
Underwood Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 2:24 PM
Thank you Keith, yes sadly it does
De La Luna Avatar
December 10, 2015 at 7:13 PM
Sad reality... I love the message of the third stanza, Gail. Beautiful!
Underwood Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 2:23 PM
Thank you for your feedback, yes it is a sad reality
Buck Avatar
December 10, 2015 at 6:55 PM
Gail: Well done. I'm an older fella myself and have known many that have lived the days you so wonderfully describe. May it prompt someone to smile, shake a hand or pat the back of some senior they see along the way. Thanks for sharing that with the soup. oldbuck
Underwood Avatar
December 13, 2015 at 2:22 PM
Thank you Oldbuck, yes i hope it does prompt someone to check on their elderly neighbour or just stop and say hello
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