deepundergroundpoetry.com
The Last Thing That Was Said
I was strolling through the hospital wards
With basket of freshly made sandwiches
And single-serving green salad entrees
With Ranch dressing packs sealed in plastic wrap,
Apples, spring water & mango fruit juice.
I'd sell my wares at each nurse's station
To floor staff and ambulatory guests,
Always looking over shoulders, gazing
Into some of the semi-private rooms,
Sometimes hearing a person moaning low
Without a visitor to comfort them.
So one day, determined, when no one watched
I softly walked in room 312, bed B,
I set down my basket on a green chair
And went to stand by the side of the drapes
And listened to the patient's even breath.
I saw a senior lady sleeping there.
Her skin's pallor glowing in the dim light,
Her wavy white hair fluffy as cotton.
IV drip sliding saline from a bag
To hypo taped on the back of her hand
Boney and veiny with long fingernails.
I pulled up another green chair nearby
And scooted it close as I took a seat.
A nurse's aide came in to check the chart,
Took down the latest stats on a keyboard,
Heard the heart monitor's double-blip chirps.
The aide said "Your lunch order, Mrs. Crane."
The old lady stirred and murmured in pain
"No! I can't stomach that hospital food."
The girl left, merging back out in the hall
While I turned to look back into her face
That grimaced, eyes flickered open at me.
I leaned and gave her a kind little smile
And said "Well hello there, how do you do?"
The daunted Mrs. Crane squinted and blinked
And knitted her brow in a frown, and spoke
"And who do I have the honor to meet?"
It was said sarcastically I knew that,
So I stood up to go get my basket
But instead of walking off in a huff
I turned 'round to show her my tasty stuff.
Oooh, her crusty eyes grew wide as she saw;
I hoped she could smell the turkey with cheese.
Returned, said "Let me give you one of these."
The stodgy old face went suddenly bright,
Hand shook as she grabbed the gourmet delight
And with that first bite I conversed with her,
I couldn't resist the joy that I felt.
So, each day, I'd set a time for our date
To bring her the treats she came to enjoy
Including the smiles my company brought,
The least I could do for my new-found friend
Who's time on this earth would one day soon end,
But till then was given quality time.
I'd learned early on her favorite dish
Was when I'd bring her from Baskin-Robbins
Her own pint of Jamoca Almond Fudge.
I'd spoon it to her, she'd offer me some,
And looked forward to each day that I'd come.
One day I showed with the pint in a bag
And saw how listless and quiet she was.
We chatted a while, well mostly I talked,
And told her about the weather outside
And wished that day we could go for a walk.
She spoke softly then and cradled my hand.
My eyes began to tear and burn a while,
And I said "I brought lunch, but most of all
I've got your favorite treat that you love best."
And dear Mrs. Crane, squeezing my hand, said
"Not just now, my dear girl, I need to rest."
(Non-fiction account)
Baskin-Robbins' Jamoca Almond Fudge = ice cream
Published 30th Jan 2017
| Edited 17th May 2017
All writing remains the property of the author. Don't use it for any purpose without their permission.
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30th Jan 2017 2:28pm
That is so sweet and so sad...I hope that when I am in that situation, there will be an angel like you to befriend me:) Jade.
Thank you sweet Grace. If I could be the one I would gladly keep close and bring you good feelings & ice cream & sunny beams for smiles. <3
30th Jan 2017 2:43pm
Oh, this one made me cry. I've done something very similar in the past. It touches somewhere deep inside to be there when no one else is. It's a gift for both souls, I think. Beautiful, Jade :)
Willow
Willow
30th Jan 2017 2:50pm
Thank you so much, dear Willow. I relived the whole thing as I composed the piece, and kept dabbing my face as I teared up. It was cathartic for us both, and I'm glad the chance finally came along for me to be inspired to dedicate & commit the memories of Mrs. Crane to verse.
30th Jan 2017 2:51pm
30th Jan 2017 2:56pm
Oh thank you so much, dear tommycat! It must be special for it to go in your RL, I'm so honored... -tig <3
30th Jan 2017 3:08pm
no words could express - it is art - it affects the soul of the observer beyond is structure - touching something elementally human - true art...
30th Jan 2017 3:32pm
30th Jan 2017 3:34pm
Echo Geoff!! precisely the reason..am finding this acute shortage of words to express what this poem evokes. Jadey you left us speechless here!
30th Jan 2017 3:39pm
30th Jan 2017 5:01pm
This brought back memories from when I worked as a recreation aide in a nursing home back at the turn of the century. Very nice Jade!
JJ
JJ
30th Jan 2017 10:24pm
31st Jan 2017 3:42pm
Beautifully written, Jade. It demonstrates compassion and empathy in the highest form.
31st Jan 2017 6:36pm
1st Feb 2017 9:50am
Reminds me of my CNA days; all those residents, some of them so lonely. I used to find myself lingering in their rooms and they were so greatful for the company.
Beautiul job, Jade, brought me to tears...
Beautiul job, Jade, brought me to tears...
1st Feb 2017 4:46pm
Thank you so much for sharing this with me, dear Kasai. It too brings me back to tender tears; one is forever touched.💫
24th Jan 2018 11:46am
I'm totally blown away by this entry
Your kindness and grace leave me speechless
Like
Your kindness and grace leave me speechless
Like
25th Jan 2018 3:49pm
