Security Checkpoint

You had to pass through security
and insisted you could stand 
on your own two feet
and progress of your own volition.

Though your wheelchair
and diagnosed dementia
evidence to the contrary,
I figured: Who would it hurt?

The stares of strangers
as I held your hands
and helped you to your feet
informed me that I might be hurt --

Poor dear, so young to have
to care for one so old!

Or, perhaps, hurting you --

How could she put 
him through this?

With the weight of their eyes upon
us, you leaned on me and lurched:
arduous, shuffling, inching on
until you passed through security.

You made it to the other side
with a walk you won't remember,
and I'll not soon forget.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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Dufresne Avatar
December 6, 2009 at 4:50 PM
Just an awesome poem. Excellent. Last verse says more than is there. Thanks for sharing this one, Irene.-Robert
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
October 23, 2009 at 4:51 AM
Congratulations, Irene, on your success in Constance’s “A Walk to Remember” contest with this heartfelt poem. Your poetic skills shine. Lovingly, Dane Ann
Rider Avatar
October 18, 2009 at 12:32 PM
wonderful! Congratulations! Trudy
Gorelick Avatar
October 18, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Wonderful win in the contest Irene. very movingg story. BG
George   Avatar
October 16, 2009 at 8:37 PM
Congratulations of your win, dear Irene, with this very touching story. Love, Lainie
Richards Avatar
October 16, 2009 at 5:33 PM
Congratulations on this amazing poem, and wonderful heartfelt expression! ~ Love, Carrie
Brown Avatar
October 16, 2009 at 3:09 PM
Congratulations on your win in Constance's contest Irene. Love, Carol
Sheart Avatar
October 16, 2009 at 3:05 PM
Irene, congrats on your third place win! Love Light Truth Patricia
Moreno Avatar
October 16, 2009 at 2:44 PM
Irene, congrats on your big win in the contest...Raul
Golden Avatar
October 11, 2009 at 10:45 PM
Irene, thank you for sharing this heart-wrenching piece. Hugs, Donna
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