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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: TALKATIVE (09/08/16)
She’s the “parrot” as called in the facility.
Echolalia her constant companion in voice.
The gentlest nurse’s touch brings a bruise.
She broke a bone from rolling over in bed.

“I’m hurting. Oh, I’m hurting. Oh, I’m hurting.”
She cries from within to without.
Shrill in tone as a parrot’s shriek.
“Take your pills. Take your pills.”

She smiles at my entering the room,
Takes my hand and brings it to her lips.
I kiss her cheek, she smiles once again.
“Drink water, drink water.”

Vicious comments from those nearby,
fill the corridor all the day long.
"She never shuts-up! No peace with her here."
The "parrot" unaware of their contempt.

Through sixty years of widowhood,
Her sweetness preserved despite it all.
She’s awake placid and knows me still.
“Take your pills. Take your pills.”

This beautiful soul beloved by many,
Dear heart to a child, a friend, and more.
Memories, trials, have spanned her life.
“I’m hurting. I’m hurting.”

Her repetition is an irritant to most.
Her frail bony body beneath the sheets,
Is a far cry from the life that once was.
“Drink water. Drink water.”

A glimmer of light jumps out of her eyes,
“Where is he? Where is he?”
Placid, composed, filled with peace.
“I’m okay. I’m okay. I’m okay.”

A deep final breath as life escapes.
The white haired beauty returns home.
Her dignity and independence secure.
Joy abounds at heaven’s door.

The “parrot’s” voice exits earth’s décor,
Upon arrival she sings aloud in praise.
She shines and no longer opines.
God hands a sunbeam down by way of Mary’s face…


***














"Dedicated to all of the gems I encountered in my career in Long Term Care Nursing Facilities. Each one special in their own way, each one a sparkling diamond. Thank you to all of those who shared their life with me and made me a part of their world. I thank God for every single one of you...and I thank God for giving me this calling.."
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This article has been read 608 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Art Westefeld
09/15/16
No suprise that you worked in long term care. The story seemed to be one from such a wrker or someone who had recently lost a loved one in such a faculity.
Art Westefeld
09/15/16
No suprise that you worked in long term care. The story seemed to be one from such a wrker or someone who had recently lost a loved one in such a faculity.
PamFord Davis 
09/15/16
As a reader, so easy to place myself there... So easy to understand why her repetitions would be annoying. So sweet of you to be patient!

Wing His Words
Linda Goergen
09/19/16
This was so touching. Only those with special hearts and understanding need to be in long term care nursing, unfortunately that is not always the case. Praise God you were one of the special and those like your MC benefited from your love and gentle care. God only knows the suffering many of these elderly and disabled residents endure. I love the vision of the ending of this…her crossing into heaven where her dignity and health are restored and her voice is beautiful with praise. Wonderful read!
Dannie Hawley 
09/19/16
What a touching article! I loved the tenderness and emotion of the story. It's truth will reach the hearts of many.
Shann Hall-LochmannVanBennekom 
09/21/16
Ahhhhh, this made me tear up and I have a lump in my throat. I believe you've comforted many hurting hearts (including mine). Congratulations on ranking 19 overall. Happy Dance!
Holly Westefeld
09/22/16
Camile, your compassion for others shines in this powerful poem.