The Nursing Home

As he sits in the chair, towards the floor is his gaze,
fleeting memories wash over him but his mind is a haze.
The nurse flashes by and gives him a smile,
He longs for someone to sit and talk for a while.

The children will visit, he hopes they come soon.
when they walk through the door his face lights up the room.
Are they coming today or is it next week?
Struggles to recall all their names and he begins to weep.

Cannot remember her name by she was his wife.
A wonderful woman, the love of his life.
In a moment of lucidness, remembers the day that she died.
Emotions well up and tears brim in his eyes.

A drink of some tea he would like to have now.
The nurse is too busy and he doesn't know how.
Breakfast at eight, lunch right on noon.
Dinner at five, No! that's not too soon.

The room down the hall, inhabited by Bill.
The noises he makes would make you feel ill.
He hacks through the day, screams out in the night.
Waking all within reach with a terrible fright.

His daughter comes to visit, the kids are causing her grief.
Life is so hectic, Dad we will have to be brief.
Grand kids gather around and he gives them a cuddle,
she gathers them up and off they go as a huddle.

This man gave his life for the family he made,
just a little while longer, he wished that they stayed.
An hour is not too much to ask of your time,
to tell happy stories and tell him everything's fine.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015

Poem

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Allison Avatar
March 17, 2018 at 1:00 PM
Hi Craig, I write with tears in my eyes as you have portrayed the scene in many a nursing home where dementia sufferers are in their own little world and rarely get visitors and if they do it is for such a short period. my mum has memory issues caused by a fall I try and visit mum almost every day but some residents rarely see their family, but they come running when they think they will inherit:-( hugs jan xx
Goff Avatar
July 5, 2017 at 8:16 AM
Am going thru this with Mom....thanks for sharing
Emu Avatar
July 5, 2017 at 1:30 PM
It's a tough time James, I trust all goes well with your mother.
Rycroft Avatar
June 24, 2016 at 1:30 AM
Fine words in this poem but made me feel very sad because it's true x well put together x
Emu Avatar
June 26, 2016 at 4:21 PM
Thanks for the visit and comments Wendy. Lets hope we stay out as long as we can.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
February 21, 2016 at 1:53 PM
I just had to re-visit this one as I think it's one of your best... it brings back so many fond memories of my days 'in the trenches!' Well done again!! Best wishes, Keith
Emu Avatar
February 22, 2016 at 3:21 AM
Thanks keith. You would have some stories I'm sure.
East Avatar
January 21, 2016 at 4:03 AM
I can't wait to get in there and give my kids a tough time...only joking. Though my wife and I have just experienced being "de-invited" to a birthday celebration....must go, I can feel a poem coming on. Cheers, Dennis
Emu Avatar
January 21, 2016 at 11:59 AM
Told my kids the same. All the best with your writing. Thank you Craig
Delaney Avatar
January 6, 2016 at 11:26 AM
Hi Craig: A poignant picture of what so often happens. No one has time so often in this day and age. I have cared for Geriatrics in different times of my Nursing career and was always mindful of trying to offer care with respect for their dignity and saw so often that families just didn't come through when they should. As you say this is not alway the case. Excellent writing, SuZ
Delaney Avatar
January 7, 2016 at 11:42 AM
So true. A new kind of addiction.
Emu Avatar
January 6, 2016 at 4:58 PM
Quite right, all the modern technology advancement was supposed to give us more time for leisure and such but it just enslaved us.
Bickerstaffe Avatar
December 20, 2015 at 10:44 AM
This is so dear to my heart... I was a nursing home administrator for several years in a multi-level 300 bed facility. I made many friends both residents and staff. Beautifully written with splendid couplet rhyming, cadence and imagery. So sad when patients succumb to Alzheimers and drift away into their own world, begging for attention. Well done my friend! Best wishes, Keith
Emu Avatar
December 21, 2015 at 10:48 PM
Thanks Keith, a worthy vocation you had chosen.
Merryman Avatar
December 9, 2015 at 11:50 PM
Such a sad write, but I know that it is a pretty accurate view of life in a nursing home. Great write, Craig! Love, Kim
Emu Avatar
December 12, 2015 at 2:28 AM
Thank you kim
Promise Avatar
December 9, 2015 at 9:13 PM
Meals are scheduled but if a Resident asks for some thing to snack on, the staff usually volunteers to get it. Some kind hearted ones offer bedtime snacks without being asked.
Emu Avatar
December 9, 2015 at 9:21 PM
ok, I meant no offence. Just pointing out that some of the nursing homes are short staffed and nursing staff are very busy, I understand that they do as much as they can
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