Unbroken

he sits in his wheelchair
                       waiting
her visit
             to ease his world of rubble
             to snap shut a sense of aimless
in a nursing home of minimized living
            its weariness that closes in like shutters

she bends to greet him
her touch a force that shapes his joy
        shedding his decline like shaking off soot

two decades together till a swirling tempest rained sorrow
an accident, gut retching moment
                      swept aside the bliss of living

one couple, hands held
        to unfasten latches of closure
        to comfort them, re-imagining what's familiar 
        a vibrant rootedness

unbroken, he knows the glow from her kiss
                   crumbling gloom
when he hears her approach
           the clack of her heels
                                 like chimes in wind





Poem composed November 14,  2021

Copyright © | Year Posted 2021



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Date: 1/12/2022 12:44:00 AM
This is so heartrending.... one of the finest poems, I have read recently. Tragedies can happen in life and they can sweep away the bliss of living. But if hands are held together, they can unfasten any latch. With her gentle presence and compassionate care, he feels he is not at all broken.... Beautiful Brian
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 1/12/2022 5:11:00 AM
Thank you, Valsa, for your insightful remarks on my posting. A poem built on one strong image can resonate. Most appreciative of your visit to my page. Best wishes, Brian
Date: 1/11/2022 11:06:00 PM
Congrats! Thanks for sharing this, exemplifying love enclosed by fidelity (making me nostalgic of my Mom and Dad whose love life is a blessing to us, their kids). God bless you.
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 1/12/2022 5:15:00 AM
Greetings Beata, Your supportive words encourage my pen. Yes, you are quite right - fidelity in the face of adversity is a beacon to follow. Sincerest regards. Brian
Date: 1/11/2022 7:58:00 PM
Coming back to congratulate you. Congratulations!
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 1/11/2022 8:20:00 PM
Thank you, Christuraj. Most generous of you to return to the piece with your positive support. Be well. Brian
Date: 12/26/2021 7:02:00 AM
What an absolutely beautiful heartfelt poem Brian…..true love! Debx
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 12/26/2021 8:11:00 AM
Thanks very much, Deb. I've viewed many folks in nursing homes. Too many images to draw on, sadly. Be well. Brian
Date: 12/6/2021 11:24:00 AM
The poem brilliantly captures the emotional hunger and the longing for a connection to a lover. "she bends to greet him - her touch a force that shapes joy shedding his decline like shaking off soot" What a powerful simile that brings immediacy to the poem. Well done!
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 12/6/2021 8:55:00 PM
Hello Thomas, Your thoughtful words are uplifting. Since I sincerely respect + value every read of your fine work, your assessment of my postings carries much weight. Thank you! Be well. Brian
Date: 12/1/2021 3:14:00 AM
Ahh!! Love that lasts/ed. I wonder what happened to him: age or an accident? I enjoyed reading your work. Thanks for the visits to my page. Sara
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 12/1/2021 5:42:00 AM
Greetings Sara, Thanks very much for the positive comment. I left the accident undefined in this poem. But love endured. Best wishes, Brian
Date: 11/20/2021 8:03:00 AM
What a powerful write, well done! Congratulations!!
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 11/20/2021 1:23:00 PM
My appreciation for your thoughtful, affirmative comment. Much appreciated. Best wishes, Brian
Date: 11/17/2021 8:13:00 AM
Loss. Love. Hope. Life and all its fragility. An emotive piece Brian that rightly points a finger at what society deems care. There for the grace of God..Another powerful, poignant write. Cheers - Gary
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 11/17/2021 8:30:00 PM
You express your ideas so well, Gary. Indeed, a bond of "loss", "love" and "hope." Thank you for your insightful comments. Be well. Brian
Date: 11/16/2021 1:36:00 PM
Brian, wonderful and so emotional and congratulations on your Second Place win in my "U" Contest, New Poems ~ peace and tranquility _Constance
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 11/16/2021 6:03:00 PM
Thanks very much. Brian
Date: 11/15/2021 10:38:00 AM
A great love poem with a beautiful narration. Congratulations!
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 11/15/2021 3:42:00 PM
Thank you Christuraj. I was far down the list of acknowledgements but judging is subjective after all. I am content with the posting. Best wishes, Brian
Date: 11/14/2021 8:08:00 PM
This is a lovely, charming poem, Brian. S. You've crafted a fantastic poem, one that's chock-full of beautiful metaphors and rhyme. Good luck in the contest.
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Brian Sambourne
Date: 11/14/2021 9:22:00 PM
Greetings Lasaad, Most thoughtful of you to post a positive response to my piece. As always, your words are appreciated, welcomed. Be well. Brian
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