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| By Rod Long for Unsplash |
Todays 2 poems are to be inspired by family. In one a positive future surrounded by family with good relationships. The second - little or no family left or bad relationships.
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101
I stirred restlessly
In my narrow bed with metal railings
The ears don't work so well anymore
But I could still hear the din
From hallways full of old souls
And the angels that attended them.
My own angel, Marie, patted my hand.
Startled, I did not know she had come in.
Today's your day, your birthday.
You're 101 today my queen.
She loved to call me special names.
Although I felt on the edge of transition,
I found my heart stirring.
My birthday always brought me joy.
Family came, hugs exchanged
Stories shared, and cheesecake!
Exhausted from my mental wanderings
I dozed off into sweet dreams
Slowly my eyes opened to a circus.
Bright streamers, helium balloons,
A stack of cards and my favorite Motown tunes.
But what drew me the most
Was simply the smiles of my family.
Pats and hugs and loving words surrounded me.
My bed magically rose a bit
So I could see them better.
Enjoy a piece of my favorite dessert,
In the midst of my joy I knew.
In the midst of family and care givers
And balloons and streamers, I knew.
While the party swirled around me
Cocooning me in blankets of love,
I let go of my earthly anchor
And returned to the ether.
Too Long
As I awoke that morning,
I paused in disbelief.
101 - how could that be?
I didn't do it all the way I was told.
I loved my potato chips
And an afternoon libation.
Never one to become a gym rat,
I walked when inspired and
Sat when I wasn't.
But somehow the universe
Gifted me with great luck and
Equally impressive genes.
And here I am, old and alone.
A cosmic joke played out
At my expense.
My husband had passed
Way too soon.
As had all my kids
Medical woes, accidents,
And saddest of all - by choice.
No family to celebrate with.
No one to fill my day with good cheer.
Surrounded by other old souls
In a home full of staff I know
Someone will take pity,
And make sure I get a piece of cake.
Maybe a few will sing,
But in the end I am alone.
I have outlived them all.
I am simply counting the days
Until birthdays are no more.
Alone and missing them.
It's taking too long.
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