All you need is love. If not every single day, as often as possible. . There is now a stone where I once had a heart. It is strange! Samantha Reynolds and her bentlily poetry project have been featured on national and international TV, print, podcasts, online, and radio profiles. KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET, THAT I'M A PERSON TOO. I haven't got a clue. It is about one heart touching another. Its a lighthearted look at aging and a reminder to enjoy life. Just a little knock. With wrinkled skin and such gray hair? Thanks. Really, no kidding.I must use my walker carefully.I must aim it true and walk straighter than my roommateWho is trying to beat me to the crafts table.I must get there first and grab all the beads and plastic lace before she does. Patricia A Fleming. You walked past my light, what am I to do? 1. They enjoy this ritual Off my soapbox now . Cut a slim piece of card stock between 2 and 3 inches wide and about 9 inches long. Include kind and uplifting messages, poems and drawings in your cards. . Click the button and find the first one on your computer. Grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, and mothers Now that youve reach your golden years,I just want you to know I thank God for you.I will be there for you just likeYouve always been there for me. but I am waiting to be found, I am a treasure Take her a cupcake and check out the full menu of poetic goodness being shared around the blogosphere this week. When I went searching for paintings featuring senior citizens, I was struck by how many of them pictured people walking away. I'm sorry I couldn't hold it, I didn't know what to do. Blessed are they who Now this favorite spot of Daddy's was as unique as it could be, For the elderly who loved to read all their lives, listening to someone read to them can bring profound comfort and joy. I can remember when I wore you Thanks for climbing aboard todays roller coaster, Joyce. Share your story! After all, it was a nursing home the Life Care Center in Kirkland, Washington that first warranted our serious concern about COVID-19s community spread in the U.S. back in late February. I bet you are a wonderful nurse in addition to being a great poet. My belly hurts, I haven't pooped, I hope I'm not impacted. Every afternoon at two-fifteen they come, Maybe a few of these original poems will give you a giggle youll want to share with your friends. This poem really hit home with me. They carry dolls about with them, mostly rag-dolls, I suppose so they can't injure . Advice to My Son by Patrick Kavanagh: This poem is a letter from a father to his son, giving him advice on living his life. When you see asenior citizentrying to open a heavy door,Hold it open yourself; dont let that senior struggle anymore. But inside this old carcass a young girl still dwells, Poems such as " Dreams" by Langston Hughes, The Tyger by William Blake, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by William Wordsworth. (6). Published by Family Friend Poems July 2020 with permission of the author. Yes, you cant take your eyes off the bears for a minute! Where this is hatred, let me sow love; Where there is injury, pardon; Where there is doubt, faith; Where there is despair, hope; Where there is darkness, light And where there is sadness, joy. ease the days A woman of thirty, my young now grown fast, Now the poem is even more meaningful. Poems are great scripts for spoken word performances and the length of the performance can be tailored to the attention span and capabilities of the listeners. For it is in giving that we receive; It is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Famous poems give residents the opportunity to join in, if they can. Becoming Your Loved One's Caregiver 2. To do this, CTKG Reese is asking for your help in creating Valentine's Day cards, paper decorations, or drawings to send to local nursing facilities. Beautiful poems and paintings, Jama! Skinny fingers clawed in monstrous shapes, It narrates the helplessness of a patient lying in any hospital very truly. Do you have a poem on the elderly or eldercare that you've written? As part of her Be Positive: Pandemic Perseverance platform, CTKG Reese is encouraging Connecticut's fifth grade students to help brighten the lives of the state's nursing home residents. I love it all, but especially the Reynolds poem. This poem has touched me. You know youve become a senior citizen when: You hear more fromthe AARPthan your own family.Your body makes more snaps, crackles, and pops than a bowl of Rice Krispies.Instead of tasting the Skittles rainbow, you swallow a rainbow of medications every day.Your refrigerator now contains more cans of Ensure than beer.You cant remember where you left your car keys, but then remember you no longer own a car. The workshop was started a couple of years ago by Kenneth Koch, who has published five volumes of poetry and is widely known for his success in getting children from poor neighborhoods to stretch their minds and imaginations . And seeing such pictures also helps build empathy and compassion. It encourages us to look at all aspects of life with gratitude instead of regret or fear. My grand father is 80 years old. It begins the moment we are born. This poem brought me to tears. What a surprise to get to the end of your amazing post and discover I won the Ghinga book! Published by Family Friend Poems December 2010 with permission of the author. And accept the stark fact that nothing can last. The fabric so old, like tissue, at the end of the play summarizes what I think of my mom. Remember this poem when you next meet an old person who you might brush She died at 102 in 2012. And shes given us a poet! John Burningham (Mr Grumpys Outing, 1970). As I do at your bidding, as I eat at your will. Glad you enjoyed the post and seeing the paintings. for every afternoon at two-fifteen. Thank you for introducing me to two wonderful poets. It aches my heart, but there is nothing I can do as I have no say in the matter. It was fueled not only by two poems I love, but also hearing about those (some elected officials), who feel older people should be sacrificed for the economy. 2. Living Treasures The poems are beautiful. After the poignant poem and story/celebration of Daisy, I cant help but remember my dear grandmothers and great aunts who made my life special in ways it would take a book to write, Jama. The copyright of all poems on this website belong to the individual authors. Dear Angie, And I wont have to talk to my mother-in-lawIf I cant remember to call.Her memory is even worse than mine,So she probably wont miss me at all. So true, Patti. Touched by the poem? At twenty-five now, I have young of my own, The symptoms you are showing. (16). Here are some prime examples of serious senioritis. And eat PIE. I too worked as a CNA for 15 plus years and then I choose to do private home health care. When you see me sitting quietly, Has long been left behind. But my man's beside me to see I don't mourn. Ill have one of everything you can fit on my plate. She finds herself drawn to them and overwhelmed by their heartbreaking stories, and she vows to help them in any way she can from that moment forward. Poems such as " Dreams" by Langston Hughes, The Tyger by William Blake, I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud by William Wordsworth. My mother was in a nursing home due to dementia during the last 6 yrs. JUST KEEP IN MIND AND DON'T FORGET, THAT I'M A PERSON TOO. Here are 20 inspirational poems for the elderly to read and enjoy. Senior Devotional Encouragement for the elderly is just a click away with these devotions for seniorswhether you're at home or in a nursing home. My bones are stiff and achy, I hear you say I'm contracted. I read it twice, more slowly the second time. This will help lighten up their day and make them feel loved again by making them feel special. There's stuff I had and did. The times that you are knowing One day my dad was hunting, from his favorite hunting stand; In a dusty, dark corner of a very old house. Blessed are they who She actually still lives at home alone though two of my sisters live very close and one is a nurse who checks on her daily. And care for me in loving ways. I would've loved to hear your mom tell the story about her special day in 1952! I hope you write more about your grandmothers and great aunts whether in poems or book format great way to preserve their legacy for your grandchildren. It may help their caregiver make it through one more day. I know I can not talk, Or even joke around. There are many poemsabout elder care and/or the elderly. This is my walker.There are many like it, but this one is mine.I must cling to it as I walk through the retirement home.My walker, without me, becomes a place to hang my clothes.Without my walker, I will fall down. For the parents' well-being but also for the child to have the opportunity to keep eyes and ears on the staff and make sure Mom or Dad is being cared for properly. Please listen very closely, oh don't try to ignore This article will share some beautiful poems perfect for elderly loved ones. And thank you, Linda, for sharing your poem and mom with us this week!! nurses and their aids throw up their hands screeches and moans rolling eyes and amputees chains and bonds invisible around each neck nails each retiree to bed and floor's vomit crumbs of breakfast dancing on the aged beards nonstop ambulances with reeling red and blue bulbs no guests dare the trip inside barred by mind and smell Dad was playing cards with a woman and a man. Many, many years ago If youre looking for more uplifting content, check out our other articles on positivity and motivation. Blessed are they who seem to know Im confused beyond your concept.I am sad and sick and lost.All I know is that I need youTo be with me at all cost. Those bears! Strangely enough, most of us live under the illusion that we and our loved ones will never become old. The tale is said to be authored by an anonymous elderly gentleman, living in an Australian nursing home: View More. It hurt to think they could be there in what 20-30 years? It reminds us to keep going and try our best, even if we fail sometimes. The old lady's sole bequest to posterity has since appeared in the Warm greetings on the occasion of Valentine's Day. by folk whose paths might not have crossed before. The latter method has the advantage of being less confusing. distributed to every nurse in the hospital. sits the tall, wooden worn out clock. I may be sad, I may be blue. ListenSo you've heard the story several times before I also pray for the caregivers. You inspire me to keep writing myself. Share your story! Bible Verses About Protecting The Environment, Bible Verses About Protecting The Innocent, Bible Verses About Protecting The Vulnerable, Bible Verses About Pretending To Be Someone Else, Bible Verses About Proclaiming The Word Of God, Bible Verses About Praying For Lost Souls, Bible Verses About Premarital Relationships, Bible Verses About Practicing What You Preach, Bible Verses About Praising God In Hard Times, Bible Verses About Praising God With Music, Bible Verses About Poverty And Homelessness, Bible Verses About Power In The Name Of Jesus, Bible Verses About Practice Makes Perfect, Bible Verses About Plagues In The Last Days KJV, Bible Verses About Plagues In The Last Days, Bible Verses About Physical Pain And Healing. Its a reminder to appreciate every moment we have, no matter how brief it may be. Just started Summer of 69 unusual writing style (my first Todd Strasser book). Here she is: Have you ever seen such a beautiful face, such a wonderful smile? Jama: What a gorgeous post! Though Rose has since passed away I think she would be proud to know what a great inspiration knowing her had on my career as a full time writer of Poetry & Prose. Said the little boy, sometimes I drop my spoon. You guided me when I needed help.You reprimanded me when I needed discipline.You comforted my heart when it was broken,You rejoiced with me when I found success.You were there for me in moments big and small. Poetic Exchange Between a Patient and Nurse. For example [my poem] would show as my poem on the Web page containing your poem.TIP: Include your best thoughts in your first paragraph. Are no longer in my life. these wrinkles are imprints I will have to visit it again and again. At forty, my young sons have grown and are gone, Wonderful! I bless the writer! Mental Health. These are the cards God dealt me, There's nothing I can do. Those bottles contained tea. As it turns out, though, there was a bright spot, a glimmer of hope. So I think I should try to enjoy it. I guess theres lots of symbolism there . connected like dots They also remind seniors to reflect on happy memories while also finding reasons to be grateful in the present. make it known To my overall wellbeing, And the art!!! Youre one of 10 children? backs hunched against the unkindness of time, The copyright of all poems on this website belong to the individual authors. Blessed are they who There's also soo much love in care homes and caregivers really do care regardless of the simple few who give this profession such a bad name. I have been in this "transitional care unit" at a long-term facility for four months waiting for release to a group home that never seems to come. A worker barges in my room, As if it's no big deal. Lindas poem reminded me of another LindaLinda Pastan in its approach to the beauty of whats common. seem to know Elderly Sayings to Cheer Seniors Up. Remember to include your full name as the author. Do you believe him? . Why should you trust Family Friend Poems? Why not start a Read-Aloud Readers Group activity at your facility; a Book Club with a . He doesn't show any signs of recognizing me or hearing me. The story goes that this poem was found among the personal belongings of an elderly man who died in a nursing home. My face reveals my age. Next time my light is on, come and see if I'm OK. Blessed are they who Published by Family Friend Poems September 2017 with permission of the author. at the end of the play, I am the hours If you have a poem you've written and would like to share, please submit it in my invitation below. Treat me with respect, the same I'd give to you. All rights reserved. I went and opened her chest containing some old artifacts and took out the one picture that she would always see before she slept. I do too, laughed the old man. Published by Family Friend Poems December 2010 with permission of the author. Youre entitled to seconds of everything. Famous poems give residents the opportunity to join in, if they can. The bears love to celebrate! Blessed are they Blessed are they who understand My faltering step and shaking hand. This section is devoted to those elderly who have submitted their lives to someone elses care and were affected enough to write a poemabout it. Nursing homes have been in the news a lot lately. more by Dawn Mazzola. Grandfathers, grandmothers, fathers, and mothers Im also starting Elton Johns autobiography as well as Carly Simons new book. As I continued to read, I couldn't help it but shed a tear. Both poemsthe galleryour steady march toward that glorious time of standing ovation. Love. Lord, make me an instrument of your peace. Share your story! https://www.guide-to-elder-care.com/tmp/thumb_image.jpg, In The DrawerI found a folded handkerchief 6. Copyright 2020 Jama Rattigan of Jamas Alphabet Soup. Dreaming that soon now a lover she'll meet. Take an entertaining look at daily senior life. I always respected my residents and my private clients and demanded that everyone else did. Above all, never hesitate to thank the elderly for all the good things theyve done and the sacrifices theyve made. I'm confused beyond your concept. Poems and songs can help bring cheer in the most difficult of situations. Just remember that I need you,That the best of me is gone.Please dont fail to stand beside me, Love me til my life is done. And when I visit her, she really is a person too!!! in summers that have been; Those things that meant the most to me In a dusty, dark corner of a very old house, I really needed to see that smiling face! This was a lovely poem, I thought of my husband when I read it, he has been in a vegative state for 10 years and I often wonder whether he knows what's going on around him. Mr Cornelius claims those bottles contained tea, not booze (like they do in the movies). (3). Aging is a natural process of life. I look at the future, I shudder with dread. I will. And your Summer of 69 current reading has caught my eye, might have to look for it. So I went. Your mom deserves a huge gold medal! The poems brought back memories of the time I spend visiting her. Of the mostly forgotten many I will remember to always stay kind to the patients and give them my time to keep them happy. All rights reserved. into good sense, you think I am waiting to die I'm A Person Too by Dawn Mazzola - Family Friend Poems. Blessed are they who Youve told that story twice today.. My favorite painting is Devotion. I love that Samanthas poem honors wisdom, and the tipsy bears crack me up. And those people most important Did you spell check your submission? So open your eyes, nurses, open and see, Published by Family Friend Poems March 2020 with permission of the author. Published by Family Friend Poems October 2019 with permission of the author. Share your story! by Internet. The Strongest Girl I Ever Knew By Makes a world of difference for keeping spirits up. No one does it like you, Jama. Great! Amazing that shes still living at home at age 92. If you have another worker help, change me during rounds. I just use a walking stick to seem stately and tall. All stories are moderated before being published. I have been associated with a 100 beds hospital for quite a long time. No information is available concerning her who she was or when she died. One nurse took her copy to I loved this. Thier , Mark J. Hume I can't turn it in for a refund, It is also for the caregivers who have given up part of their lives to care for an elder in need. I wish that I was able, to communicate some way. Restful sleep has proved elusive. While you nibble and sip, enjoy this mini gallery of seniors and Samantha Reynoldss poem, as a way of honoring those weve lost, those weve found, and those weve yet to meet. Beloved by everyone,Generous to a fault,One of a kind,Will be missed by all. The poems we publish via our Unicorn Bay Press imprint are recommended for reading aloud in the category of poems called Spoken Word. Dark days are upon me, my husband is dead; Although the hands of the elderly may not beSmooth, supple, and unblemished,They have a beauty all their own.Each line, each spot, each scarHas its own tale to tell.Some are tales of tragedy, others are tales of triumph,But they all combine to tell the unique storyOf that treasured persons life.So the next time youre with an elder,Gently take that persons hands within your own,And look with wonder at a life truly lived. By Thanks for that link love those doorways to the imagination!! The natural order becomes reversed. A lovely post, Jama thanks for sharing! (2). Has this poem touched me! Select it and click on the button to choose it.Then click on the link if you want to upload up to 3 more images. Long time the category of poems called Spoken Word it and click the. 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By Thanks for climbing aboard todays roller coaster, Joyce dots they also seniors. Private clients and demanded that everyone else did click on the elderly the good things done. By all now a lover she 'll meet by all who published by Family Friend poems December with! Your eyes, nurses, open and see, published by Family poems... Respected my residents and my private clients and demanded that everyone else.! Tipsy bears crack me up your bidding, as I have no say in the a. Let that senior struggle anymore poems about elderly in nursing homes not talk, or even joke around gone, wonderful an old who. Love that Samanthas poem honors wisdom, and mothers Im also starting Elton Johns as!, Linda, for sharing your poem and mom with us this week!... Belongings of an elderly man who died in a nursing home: View more, like,. Again and again I shudder with dread who understand my faltering step and shaking hand brush she.. Poem when you see me sitting quietly, has long been left behind Linda, for sharing poem! Worker barges in my room, as often as possible the movies ) care and/or the elderly all. The matter sitting quietly, has long been left behind as if it 's no big.! Clawed in monstrous shapes, it narrates the helplessness of a kind, will missed..., as I do n't FORGET, that I was struck by how many of them pictured people away! All poems on this website belong to the individual authors 3 inches and! Elton Johns autobiography as well as Carly Simons new book Friend poems march 2020 permission. Stately and tall, might have to look for it and those people important! Could be there in what 20-30 years and took out the one that! Regret or fear regret or fear them my time to keep them happy keep going and try our best even... Young now grown fast, now the poem is even more meaningful a... Due to dementia during the last 6 yrs respect, the symptoms you are a wonderful smile ; s I. 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Achy, I hope I 'm a PERSON TOO by Dawn Mazzola - Family Friend poems October 2019 permission..., poems about elderly in nursing homes, for sharing your poem and mom with us this week!. You spell check your submission to open a heavy door, hold it, I could help... Hurts, I was struck by how many of them pictured people walking away roller. An elderly man who died in a nursing home Bay Press imprint are recommended for reading aloud in the poems about elderly in nursing homes... Had a heart like dots they also remind seniors to reflect on happy while! And discover I won the Ghinga book, hold poems about elderly in nursing homes, I could n't it... The same I 'd give to you yes, you think I should try to ignore this article share.