I ... entered the poem of life, whose purpose is ... simply to witness the beauties of the world, to discover the many forms that love can take. (Barabara Blackman in 'Glass After Glass')

These poems are works in progress and may be updated without notice. Nevertheless copyright applies to all writings here and all photos (which are either my own or used with permission). Thank you for your comments. I read and appreciate them all, and reply here to specific points that seem to need it — or as I have the leisure. Otherwise I reciprocate by reading and commenting on your blog posts as much as possible.

31 May 2012

Nursing Home: Bobbi

Bobbi walks quickly 
along the corridors,
keeping to the edges.
One day she tells me,
whispering:

‘I hurt my hip. Now 
I have to keep walking 
or it seizes up.
I feel conspicuous
and embarrassed.’

She is slim
in her neat slacks
and cardigan,
sweet face framed
by a short pageboy.

Her eyes widen
a moment and I glimpse 
fear, want to hug her 
but will not intrude
on her frail dignity.


Submitted to Poetry Pantry #101 at Poets United.

Cross-posted to my verse portraits blog, Impressions You Left

8 comments:

  1. Oh this is so sweet, and you are so sensitive and respectful, Rosemary. There are a lot of stories in nursing homes. I've worked in them, so I know:)

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    1. I only glimpsed a few of them, so these are sketches rather than in-depth portraits, but I was intrigued enough to wish to attempt them — and there will be more.

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  2. Rosemary,
    These portraits are stirring and thoughtful, respectful and evocative. Thank you for the dignity and grace you masterfully use to cast light on the subjects.

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  3. this is so cool! i love that moment when a person, including someone you don't know, inspires you to write about them. what a lovely homage to these people, and the delicacy of this is just breathtaking. x

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    1. Nice to 'meet' you, Dana. I'm glad you enjoyed.

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  4. Love this personal snapshot. You have painted her beautifully. :)

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Rachel. She made quite an impression!

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