Love Without Fail

He is driven to the Day Hospice each week without fail, Walking with a cane, hunched over, tall, thin and very frail. He kisses his wife goodbye and touches her hand as she leaves, Although she reassures him, the loss of her presence he perceives. Even as cancer invades his body and steals his last rational thought, He rambles on with his stories, the appropriate word is sought. Sitting on the couch with others, he tries to join the conversation, Topics always lead to his wife, he points to the vase with the carnation. He reminisces about volunteering and the bible classes they taught, Then suddenly he gets up to leave, tears running, becoming distraught Demanding his wife be able to attend this place to receive the loving care, Weeping he whispers, my wife deserves this so much more, it’s only fair, Unable to settle, always keeping a watchful eye on the door for his wife, Longing for the most important person, she has been the center of his life. For love is always present, for those who have been loved, you believe, Love that is true does not disappear, even in illness or when you grieve.
**Day Hospice is a day program provided to dying patients where they share friendship and games, and are provided a fine dining meal. It allows the caregiver (family) a day of rest. Placed 10th in Contest for Poems that have lost in other contests.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

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Murray Avatar
July 29, 2012 at 11:51 AM
Such a moving, poignant poem. Very heart touching Lee and very well written Anne
Ornelas Avatar
July 28, 2012 at 4:33 AM
I like thisAnd the truth of your words
Ramage Avatar
July 28, 2012 at 10:25 AM
thank you Edmond, it is a true story of one of my clients, who has now passed away. Lee
Puddifoot Avatar
October 5, 2011 at 6:25 PM
congrats on a superb win in the contest, this one resonates with me in a personal way, such a moving, intense read and a great closing line, so true but so rare...
Brown Avatar
October 3, 2011 at 7:21 AM
Congratulations on your win Lee. Love, Carol
Lucas Mcclure Avatar
October 2, 2011 at 8:43 PM
Congratulations on your wonderful win!!!!!!!!!!!====Lori
Sweetheart Avatar
October 2, 2011 at 6:36 PM
Congrats Lee on a top ten sweet success with dynamic words of poetic art ..enjoyed ..luv..
Jones Avatar
October 2, 2011 at 2:27 PM
Awesome write, Lee. I love it that you took his perspective.. touchingly, soul-wrenchingly, sweetly tender... thanks! Beauty day, Namaste~N
Kearley Avatar
August 27, 2011 at 7:52 PM
Beautiful! :* ( Geez....You brought me to tears and pain. Love is a wonderful thing.
Ramage Avatar
August 27, 2011 at 11:10 PM
Boy its been a tough day. Have written two really hard poems, thanks so much for your kind comments. I just finished one about my Mom. Lee
Kendrick Avatar
August 27, 2011 at 7:28 PM
Enjoyed reading this one this eve..It is good that this service is available in your area..Hospice in our area means that the person is dying and Hospice is there to administer meds until death...Thanks for the kind review of my work..Just write a friend poem your part and ask someone to finish it ...Sara
Ramage Avatar
August 27, 2011 at 11:12 PM
Thanks for your kind words Sara. We have inpatients in hospice too. But Day hospice is run for home patients. Its just a great program run by mostly volunteers. Amazing isn't it. Lee
Fraser Avatar
August 27, 2011 at 6:14 PM
What the Hospice's do is very much like a miracle. To keep the spirits up of our ill relatives is so wonderful. This GEM of yours Lee en-captures these places. Thank you for your comments this evening. My poetry are all stories I make, none are real. Have a lovely Sunday :)
Ramage Avatar
August 27, 2011 at 6:15 PM
I am glad to hear your poems are stories, so many times they are real and I just wanted to know if true, I support you. Lee
Macmillan Avatar
August 27, 2011 at 6:01 PM
Lee, this is a gentle and wonderful poem that truly represents the beauty and grit of love. If for a contest, hope its sky high. One note, I believe the last word is grieve. Hugs, from Cyndi
Ramage Avatar
August 27, 2011 at 6:10 PM
Thanks so much for the kind words, its a true story. Glad you caught my typo... thanks so much. Lee
Mehta Avatar
August 27, 2011 at 6:00 PM
In the year 2000 when I was in Windsor, Canada I used to offer services to the cancer patients like this Day Hospice, Lee
Ramage Avatar
August 27, 2011 at 6:13 PM
Hi, I was wondering if you go by Dr. Mehta or Dr. Ram, as I have worked previously with a Dr. Mehta in St. Catharines. It is not a common name. These Hospices are wonderful respites for families and patients. It is the best work that I have ever done. Lee
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