He sits alone is a chair all day,
this man I used to know;
staring ahead at a breakfast tray
with countless hours to go.
He used to hold me and dry my tears
and teach me the ways of the world.
He always was able to calm my fears
when I was his little girl.
Today he resides in a nursing home
along with untold others.
His mind's only free to think and roam
one memory right after another.
The pain in his joints is getting so bad
he can't even finish a thought
I try to distract him from feeling so sad
buy my efforts are surely for naught.
Life in the "home" is dreadfully grim
at times it must seem like a cage.
Choice is no longer an option for him,
he's bound by restraints of old age.
It's painful to see the ravage of time
play it's part on those that we love.
If only it wasn't considered a crime
to help them transcend to above.
I know I will never understand
a young life that is ended too soon,
while some linger long beyond their time,
when sweet heaven is long overdue.
Reason for writing:
My father has been in a nursing home for some time now. After visiting him on his birthday recently, I came home and wrote this piece. Comments welcome. email: les@atiguys.com
Birth sign: Not entered
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