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I have not published anything before -
just written poems for family and friends and now writing about my
childhood. I'm recently retired, have 6 children (4 girls and 2 boys) and
21 grandchildren. Have lived my entire life in the Midwest (Iowa and
Illinois), taught school, owned some businesses and worked the last 20
years for a machinery sales co. |
AT THE NURSING & REHAB FACILITY
Lined up in a row In front of the nurses’ station, What is it that you see? Bodies in wheelchairs with heads bobbing to and fro? Bodies shaking uncontrollably That are tiny, frail and worn? Do you see the tubes and oxygen tanks Keeping the breath alive in those old worn-out bodies? What do you see? hat do you see? In the legs now withered and worn Do you see the long, slender, firm legs Of one who ran with a child as they played And laughed gleefully in summer, spring, fall and winter? In the legs that are stiff and rigid Do you see the legs with a long stride Of one wandering merrily up the driveway Happy to be home after a long day at work? In the legs that are bruised and unshapely Do you see the swift or slow gait Of one who could run during a football, basketball or baseball game, And yet could meander slowly in the moonlight with a loved one? What do you see? What do you see? In the hands now gnarled and racked with pain, Do you see the skillful and strong hands Of one who worked a lifetime Earning a living? Do you see the soft and gentle hands Of one who bathed a baby, planted a garden, Or gathered shells on a beach? And do you see the energy and lightning speed Of one who could fix a broken toy Or mend a broken heart? What do you see? What do you see? In the hair that is now feathery white and thin, Do you see the long soft hair flowing over the shoulders Of one standing by the sink doing dishes? Do you see the glimmer and shine That radiates from the hair As it dries in the sunshine after a dip in the pool? Or do you see the soft silky hair Being combed and brushed by a young child Learning how to use his first comb and brush set? What do you see? What do you see? In the eyes now weary and tired Do you see the radiant, clear, beautiful eyes Of one who could see the beauty In a handicapped child? Do you see the warm and gentle eyes Of one who takes in a homeless stray animal? And do you see the sparkling and supportive eyes Of one whose friend just received a promotion? What do you see? What do you see? In the voice that now speaks in garbled tongue, Do you see the one rocking a baby to sleep While singing and humming softly as a bluebird? Do you see a mother or a father Calling a child from play to wash up for dinner? And do you see a passionate lover Whisper to his mate, “I love you, I love you”? What do you see? What do you see? And in the mind which now appears To be useless, unintelligible, confused and childlike, Do you see one whose deep profound mind Is scanning history books, telling stories, always learning? Do you see the dynamic awareness Of one who loved the flag, the USA, and God? But who was also respectful of others’ rights and beliefs? And do you see the compassionate but energizing mind Of one who comforted friends and families in crises? And one who honored and protected traditions, cultures and freedom? What do you see? What do you see? In the spirit of one who appears weak, lost, alone and without hope, Do you see the pride and praise Of one witnessing the birth of children, The graduations, the weddings, and births of grandchildren? Do you see the power and endurance Of one who never faltered through sickness, Hard times, pain, or sorrow? And do you see the vibrant love Of one who was alert, awake, alive, joyous And enthusiastic throughout time? What do you see? What do you see? Well, let me tell you, my friends, what it is that I see In those wheelchairs lined up In front of the nurses’ station. I see the many folks who loved with their hearts And sacrificed much for their loved ones. I see the souls and spirits of the perfect children of God. They always were, still are, and ever will be The perfect children of God. May God Bless the Child! What do you see? What do you see? First time publishing ©D.Rathje |