Quagmire

amble
waddle
search
she strains at her walker
prowling the home's halls
shoe on one foot
bare on the other

in an other worldly time
her soft footed tracks 
are marred with circumstance

"where is my shoe?" she wails
a quagmire to be free of
wanting to emerge
sure footed from this hobbit hole

I find her soft black loafer
near her bed
slip it on to her bare foot
like a snap of Cinderella 
her discomfort subsides
a "thank you" chipped from rounded shoulders

sometimes a stranger can right hapless motion
when full sight is no longer stitched to an independent will
sometimes things are not exactly in the right place
not fitted with precision
when we can't see what lies ahead
like the end of something  hanging over us
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

Poem

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Fowler Avatar
June 15, 2024 at 4:04 PM
I quite like this Brian. Kindness, compassion, gratitude all rolled into one lovely verse. :)
Sambourne Avatar
June 16, 2024 at 5:42 AM
Thank you, Linda, for your thoughtful note. I am not much on Poetry Soup any longer. I care for my mother in a long term care home. Look after yourself. Best wishes, Brian
Beaufort Avatar
March 29, 2024 at 9:26 AM
Brian, providing assistance is a joy and makes some of us feel really good. Thanks for writing this. I like the last stanza. We can also accept from others advice and comfort when we're not sure where we're going to what we might do next.
Sambourne Avatar
March 29, 2024 at 10:26 AM
Hello Duke, Yes, the final stanza is my musings on lost ownership, of self + of things. Thank you for your stop by and insightful remarks. Be well. Brian
Radice Avatar
February 16, 2024 at 10:52 PM
Brian, there is so much depth and poignancy in your poem (and clever title too) I just love the ambiguity of your clever, and truly poetic, last line.. Another great read. Cheers - Gary
Sambourne Avatar
February 17, 2024 at 6:27 AM
Hi Gary. Many thanks for your drop by + supportive words. Nursing home images have stirred a new push in poetic composition. I hope all is well with you. Brian
Fisher Avatar
February 14, 2024 at 5:02 PM
Enjoyed your poem, Brian, especially how you showed that she had a younger life like all others, by the skill of your words and comparisons within the stanzas.
Sambourne Avatar
February 14, 2024 at 6:45 PM
Hello David, Thank you for your supportive words. I hope allusions + comparisons add weight to the piece, but who knows. I often struggle to find my own footing, just like the lady @ the nursing home. With appreciation, Brian
Kendrick Avatar
February 14, 2024 at 9:42 AM
Very impressive winning work. Way to go.Thanks for sharing your talent with us. Congratulations. Sara K
Sambourne Avatar
February 14, 2024 at 11:16 AM
Greetings Sara, Thanks very much for your stop by + supportive message. I hope all is well with your health. Sincerest regards. Brian
La France Avatar
February 14, 2024 at 5:47 AM
Brian, wonderful writing and congratulations on your win in my contest, blessings, Constance
Sambourne Avatar
February 14, 2024 at 11:15 AM
My appreciation for the placement in your contest, Constance. Thank you for finding merit in my submission. Be well. Brian
Baker Avatar
February 13, 2024 at 5:20 PM
I appreciate your, "real life poetry", Brian. It shows your caring side, and your observation and activation side. Good for you! I'm glad you were able to give her a bit of comfort. The ending was a wakeup call for many of us to think about. Thanks for sharing your meaningful poetry with us, my friend. I'm following your poetry now. Bill
Sambourne Avatar
February 13, 2024 at 7:21 PM
Greetings Bill. Thanks very much for vote of confidence. You and Sara are unwavering, supportive poets to so many of us. Two gems. It is a challenge ending a poem so that your reader is compelled to think + consider options/circumstances that await us. I appreciate your drop by + positive message Bill. Look after yourselves. Sincerely, Brian
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