Showing posts with label Adult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Adult. Show all posts

Ode to my PAO Scar

 Ode to my PAO Scar


I walk into the
hospital
on my own two feet --
my glasses
fogging up
from the blue
paper mask
and my heavy, nervous
breaths.

I wake up
to a long, white gauze
bandage
taped down
my left hip --
and a rainbow of
flowers in
breakable vases
on the shelf.
Sent to watch
over me,
stand-ins
for the people.

Alone,
for days,
I sleep some
sweating
and some chilled
under piles of thin,
cotton blankets --
sometimes serenaded
by lullaby tones,
mothers giving
birth
alone
until they are not.

More often,
though, are
the codes --
blue, demanding,
mournful, and tired.
Nurses forget
to whisper,
at the station
outside my door,
so I can
hear them --
I try not to be
a bother.

I leave the
hospital
pushed out the
double doors
three days later.
When I see my
Mother,
I cry --
and pull her softness
in around my
neck.

The bandage
comes off at home
a day later.
Skin puckered,
the dried blood of the
incision brown,
trapped
vacuum-sealed under
tape --
the wound like a
mountain-range
running north
atop my hip.

Now,
it’s faded some.
A map
I can still read
upon my body
to find
my way
in the world --
I run my fingers
along the
scarred skin
whenever I
think
I am alone

-- Melinda Scott Elswick, Adult

Of Love Unspoken

In shadows cast by silence deep, 
A heart once whole begins to weep. 
For echoes of laughter, a loving light, 
Have faded softly into the night. 

Once hand in hand we danced through days, 
In laughter’s glow and loving rays. 
But time, that thief, has pulled apart, 
The threads that wove our tender hearts. 

Words, like petals, drift afar, 
Where once they bloomed, now a distant star. 
A voice I long to hear once more, 
As memories gather, soft and sore. 

What bridge was burned? What path was lost?
Each moment weighed a heavy cost. 
I search for reasons, my heart asks why, 
And wonder why love said good-bye. 

Yet, hope, a flicker in the gloom, 
Reminds me still that flowers bloom. 
In seasons harsh, through winters blue, 
Life finds a way - dreams do come true. 

So here I stand with arms open wide, 
A heart that longs with love inside. 
For though the silence aches and stings, 
I hold the faith that mending brings. 

Dear daughter, if you hear this plea, 
Know that my heart still beats for thee. 
In time may words like rivers flow, 
And heal the wounds we both must know. 

Until that day, I’ll guard the flame, 
Of love unspoken, yet the same. 
For bonds, though frayed, can be restored, 
And in my heart you’re still adored.

--Carolyn B., Adult

nightly meditation

There is a shack 
on edge of sea 
perched on the sand. 
Inside, is me. 

I move across 
The kitchen floor 
In silence, dark; 
I slip the door. 

No shoes, no sound, 
(save for the sea). 
Just sandy stairs 
trod carefully. 

Downward, forward, 
I fix eyes on 
that which calls me 
past horizon. 

Have you seen it? 
That sacred wall 
of night black fog 
roll onto all? 

Felt its dampness? 
Seen it smother 
horizon lines? 
Called it Mother? 

That which weathers; 
That which grinds; 
That one that lives 
Long after time. 

I go to Her, 
step into sea. 
No longer to 
remain as me.

--Julian E., Adult

Gorge

Calloused hands tug at the silk line. 
Thin string slipping through fingers. 
Tin of minnows, a mockery of prey. 
Spinning, twisting. 
Beaded eyes watch in the water. 
Waiting to strike what was thought to be nutrition. 
A spoon of false food hiding a fisherman's death. 
A double-pointed gift of the sea, 
Evicting its residents. 
Tugging, pulling. 
Metallic rainbow sheen bobbing along the surface. 
Gullet pierced and captured, 
There is nowhere to swim in the air. 
Caught at the end of the line, 
Now at the will of the angler. 
The lure is thrown back in. 
Rod still and waiting. 
The next victim will never know the difference.

--Remus R., Adult

A Morning in the Tropics

on a hot damp night
the sheet that was between us
still holds my shape

Even the ceiling fan had not helped. We became clammy in each other’s arms. Finally a thin cloth separating our wet skins allowed us to hold each other through the night. But now in the still darkness and tropical heat I cannot not sleep and rise quietly so as not to wake my lover.

        It had been a lovely day. The boatmen picked us up at the hotel landing and paddled us into the deep canyon. In the shallow rapids they took turns climbing out to push the canoe as we made our way upriver between verdant cliffs festooned with delicate waterfalls. Arriving where the river plunges into the canyon’s head we disembarked beside the lowest of a series of spectacular falls.

in the cave
behind the waterfall
eternal thunder

The return was even more fun, riding the rapids back down to the lowland waters. That night in the coconut grove we swam in the warm spring waters of a natural pool and gloried in the fact that there was nowhere else we would rather be and no one else we would rather be with

swim in the tropics
dark trees framing the night sky
new constellations

Now in the night I rise and look upon my love, sleeping softly, then go out onto the porch overlooking the quiet river. The only sound is the low hum of insects. I sit and smoke and think of nothing until, over the palms on the opposite bank, I see the first glimmering of the dawn. Then the first cock crows.

        It was far away, but it broke the silence decisively. A period of quiet passes, then the same rooster crows again. This time, close by, another calls, as if in answer, then a third, in the middle distance, and the first rooster crows again. Others join in as, one after another, the cocks of the local farmers recognize the dawn. I am able to pick out the individual calls for a short while, but soon, across the countryside on a multitude of little farms, all join in the chorus, each trying to assert his individuality to stand above the others. There is depth to it, as the sounds of most clearly heard roosters directly across the river grade into the many farther on, while beyond them, spread across miles of lowland farms, countless distant calls blend together in the background. I come to realize, as the dawn grows brighter, that this soundscape, reaching deep into me, is an experience that has been felt by humans since the dawn of history, a common ground of being that ties me to the early Egyptians and the ancient farmers of Mesopotamia. It is a part of man’s legacy, and I feel one with the ages of man this morning in the tropics beside the river, beside my love.

dawn on the delta
hundreds of roosters crowing
nearby, far away

--Robert T., Adult 

When The Clock Strikes Midnight

11:58pm 
“Late night, doc?” 
Wrinkled eyes, deeply furrowed yet friendly brows 
Betraying age (wisdom?) 
Jorge, a wet mop in hand. 

His soft eyes brimming with curiosity. 
“Yes, it’s one of those nights again”, I say. 
Hunching over the computer. 
Takkety-tak. Click. Almost done. 

Inputting patient data, figuring out a plan, 
I hear the familiar 
swish…swash, swish…swash 
Jorge cleaning the floor behind me. 

What do I tell the family? My fingers hover: 
“…required multiple transfusions. Current prognosis extremely tenuous despite…” 

Swish…swash, swish…swash 

“Hey doc, how’s he gonna do? He gonna be okay?” 

My head lowers, shoulders drop. A deep breath. 

I see him pick up his pink-tinged mop and place it in the bucket. Wringing out the rest of the blood he continues scrubbing rose-colored drops from the grey tile. Once there, now gone.

Swish…swash. Then nothing. 

“We do our best, doc. That’s all we can do. That’s why I do what I do. You know?” 

Though across the room, his words embrace like a strong bear hug. 

“Thanks, Papi. I know.” 

Swish…swash. 

“Te quiero mucho, hijito.”

--Eric H., Adult

Compromised

How enchanting
Is the subtle purpose of endorphins.
Provocative in question, pivotal in crisis's, profound in its requirements.
A need so prevalent it appears as if Earth itself demands its existence.
A mere portion in the responsibilities for the elderly. Previews, a new norm.
Intentions for intended usage; take every 4 hours as needed.
Revolting! An increase in dependability. Addiction.
Unregulated is my intake.
A list of life's problems.
Unable to grasp the rope of life's timeline.
The consumption of candy.
Levels of serotonin reflect my authority.
Overabundance a new nature.
As society wishes to defund the police; what course of action is needed when only withdrawals remain?
Who counts the loss of time?
Nosferatu when I look in the mirror
Forever gone but happily suffering, an obese ego insists.
Consolidating in isolation the standards of happiness have changed.
Eager to be alone
Where newly developed differences are just accusations
Under the influence I rejoice, for to myself I appear to be the same.
Ignorance whispers in my ear, something unclear; something along the lines about a life being compromised.

--Isaac V., Adult

flames on water

there is a hammer hitting my ribs
rings rattle on my fingers
all of this noise at the sight of you
you’ll be gone soon farther than dreams reach
star-crossed lovers in the same sky
our sign of death brought me to life
until our paths cross again i’ll find you in a secret
if only i knew if only you knew
until our paths cross again.


--Kassie G., Adult

Crepúsculo sencillo

El sol bajándose
Hacia a otra capitulo de la vida
Hacia a una mañana desconocida
En vientos invisibles
Tacando la piel
En un cielo de tres colores
Fuerzas existenciales del destino
Pero mientras estoy en el presente
El más acá de los sentidos
El crepúsculo sencillo en remolinos
Hacia un sueño viviente

--Alejandro C., Adult

Mom, Where's My Thing A Ma Jig?

Confuse and curious about the constant abuse,
of the obsession to the question that give mothers indigestion,
Its asked each second, each minute, each hour,
though the Hot summer days, to the cool winter nights

Its always,
Where’s this?
Where’s that?
Its not here?
its not their?

Mom, Where's my thing a ma jig?

Did you look with your eyes?
Did you move stuff around?
No huff no gruff it must be found.

Mom, Where's my thing a ma jig?

Crying and Screaming, nothing is found
Tummy is turning,
why is the volume so loud?

Mom! Where's my thing a ma jig?!

Check the mantel shelf Or the Glass table,
Is it under the rug, or Next to the plug?
Move The coffee mug and kill the bug.
Have you checked the prayer rug?

Its always,
Where’s this?
Where’s that?
Its not here?
its not their?

Mom, Where's my thing a ma jig?

Looking ones self would be a lot faster,
one glance, one second, it will be found,
No screaming or yelling or tear stained eyes,
Mom is here, the thing a ma jig is found

--Christina H., Adult

An Ode to a Girl Getting Ready

I usually know what to wear 
I love envisioning what to do with my hair. 
But when I wake up.. 
I look in the mirror and stare. 
It all starts over. 
I don’t like how I look, 
my clothes are too tight. 
I'm suffocating in shirts, 
that just don’t fit right. 

I hate getting ready. 
I’ll start doing my hair. 
My breathing is getting heavy, 
I start blaming the chair. 

I think; ‘Why didn’t I just do curls?” 
I fall back into bed and say, 
“Why did God make me a girl?”

--Abbie F., Adult

"The 'Stars' at Night" or "We've Had Plenty of Twenty -- Twenty" (c)

In the Year 2020, 
Celestial Bodies 
Became Aligned 
To get us through 
The Arduous, 
Ridiculous and Sublime. 

March 2020 
The Comet NEOWISE 
Was discovered. 
In the North Western Sky 
Through August it Hovered. 
It was 
Silvery White and a 
Soothing Blue -- 
A Majestic Hue. 

04 July 2020 
The Southern Sky 
Revealed 
Venus, Mars, Jupiter 
and Saturn, 
All in Tow. 
Mercury, Uranus, Neptune 
and dwarf Pluto -- 
They are too far 
For me to Know. 

21 December 2020 
The South Western Sky 
Highlighted 
The "Great Conjunction" 
of Jupiter and Saturn, 
Our Christmas Star. 
San Joaquin Valley Fog 
Made it Invisible -- 
Which is Par. 

28 December 2020 
The Eastern Sky 
Showcased 
The Pleiades Cluster of: 
Aldebaran, 
Rigel and 
Betelgeuse, 
As they Encircled 
The Moon. 
Capella 
Added to the Brilliance. 
Is it December or June? 

31 December 2020 
In the East 
The Bright Star 
Will be Sirius. 
Are these the 
Dog Days 
of Winter? 
It makes one Curious. 

Thank You, 
Heavenly Bodies. 
You kept our 
Heads up High. 
When in Doubt, 
Look to 
The Sky.

--Rachel C., Adult

Two Pink Lines

I hold my breath and count to five 
Who knew three minutes could feel like such a long time 
Month after month I wait for it to come true 
Time passes so slowly while we wait for you 
I’ve yearned my whole life to hold you in my arms 
I promise to always protect you from all harm 
This journey has had many ups and downs 
Time to look at the test now… 
With tears filling my eyes 
I look down and see two pink lines

--Natalie S., Adult

Let The Flowers Dance

Spring blooms up above the sky, 
Butterflies flutter across your eyes, 
Gentle warmth hug you tight, 
Life springs back to life! 
Engorge that rebirth Spring has brought! 
Grass rebound your memories, 
Birds chirping last temporarily, 
Flowers clutter the air, 
Scent of the spring un-compared! 
Reminisce that rebirth we have all sought! 

Citizens of Earth have awaken, 
Animals all over prance,
The cold’s tension was taken,
It’s the season of romance!

Let The Flowers Dance!
Let The Flowers Dance!
Let The Flowers Dance!
Let the wind caress your soul,
Let the heat shed that curled up ball,
And free yourself from the toll!
Let The Flowers Dance!
Let The Flowers Dance!
Let The Flowers Dance!

Blue skies roam forever more,
Bees and honey we adore,
Colors of the spring set in stone,
Gentle whispers quivers you to the bone!
Engorge that rebirth Spring has brought!
Soft and silky to the touch,
Roses unearthed may seem too much,
Hidden beauty buried underneath,
Springs back to life, now within your reach!
Reminisce that rebirth we have all sought!
 
Let The Flowers Dance!
Let The Flowers Dance!
Let The Flowers Dance!
Let the wind caress your soul,
Let the heat shed that curled up ball,
And free yourself from the toll!
Let The Flowers Dance!
Let The Flowers Dance!
Let The Flowers Dance!

--Ryan C.G., Adult

old box of shoes

“I did it!” I think but then pause for a bit, because in reality I’ll never get to tell you it.

“I wish I never met you,” is what I tell myself. But that can’t possibly be true, because who would I be now without you?

You told me I was special, strong and true and of course I believed you.

You made me feel like me! But unfortunately, I saw so much in you that I was playing to lose.

I loved your spontaneity and the way you smiled at me, the way you made me feel so free. But I must have misread the actual feelings you had for me.

With all the things this year has brought, heartbreak must be at the top. Because you keep just popping up.

As romantic partners go, I’ve never felt so seen. But now all it is are pictures on a screen.

I was going to risk it all for you, however, now that sounds insane. But I would like to know, when did your plans change?

You were like a blanket. So safe, secure and warm. When my life fell to pieces you helped me through that storm.

For that I am so grateful, and also pretty sure, a piece of you resides in my heart forevermore.

I’ve spent weeks thinking in circles, trying to figure it all out, but so far, I have nothing and all I want to do is shout.

Is my stuff still scattered around your place or in a neat little pile? Because getting you out of my headspace seems to be taking a while.

Now all I have left to do is choose, do I put you on the highest shelf or in an old box of shoes?

--Teresa F., Adult

Good Adulting

Most days 
I just want to stare into the emptiness 
that is my bedroom ceiling. 
Then I remember 
I have bills to pay. 
so overdue. 
Rousing myself upright 
in order to be a good adult. 
Time to do 
what other people do so easily. 
I tell myself “i’ll feel better when it's done” 
more accomplished and in control. 
Life will be easier 
after I pay the bills. 
Lessen the to-do list. 
Act like a functioning human. 
Then I remember 
I have no money. 
Back to bed

--Laura T., Adult

MY OUTLOOK

OPENED EYES 
CLOSED FISTS 
ENDLESS THOUGHTS 
CURIOUS WONDER 
INNOCENT SOUL 
IGNITED ENDEAVOR 
UNWRITTEN JOURNEY 
RELENTLESS GROWTH 
UNFILTERED COURAGE 
INEVITABLE PAIN 
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE 
OVERWHELMING SENSES 
KAOTIC FEELINGS 
UNCONTROLLABLE LIFE 
MISUNDERSTOOD GUIDANCE 
ABSENT STRUCTURE 
BROKEN FOUNDATION 
DROWNING DOUBTS 
SOPHICATING SCARS 
TRAGIC HISTORY 
POISONOUS CYCLE 
UNBREAKABLE FAITH 
UNTEACHABLE RESILIENCE 
OVERPOWERING STRENGTH 
RARE BOND 
EARNED RESPECT 
BROKEN CHAINS 
HEALED HEARTS 
REDIRECTED PATH 
CLOSED WOUNDS
OPEN PALMS

--Misti D., Adult

Limerance



Where were you? Stumbling in an effervescent dream.

Dopamine and oxytocin implosion

Parkour across synaptic clefts.

Crescendo


Do I know you? Clearing of an uncongested throat.

Adrenaline and cortisol activation

Rush hour toward flight.

Staccato.


How are you? Distracting visions of romance.

Intrusive and obsessive imagery

Confusion, love, or reciprocity.

Aria.


Why you? Serendipitous bump in the flight path.

Tachycardia and attachment converge

Infatuation, limerance, doubt.

Adagio.

--France C, Adult

God Has Set Me Free

God is so good to me. He has set me free. He said, "be patience with Me my child, because what will be, will be." God has come into my life, and He has set me free. I am grateful Lord, because You first loved me. Life can be so hard, and the road can be so rough. But You said, "you just have to hold on and trust. Hold on to my tender love and trust; because what will be, will be." There are times when I am sad, and I do not understand. Why these trials and tribulations are in my life. But You said to me Lord, "be patience child, be patience with Me." "Because life can be so rough, and you have to go through stuff; but don't be weary child, what will be, will be." So happy Lord that you came into my life. Thank you, Lord, for setting me FREE.

--Linda N., Adult

Ode to the Tule

Down the leaf drips glimm'ring dew
Rose and pale by sunlit hue
Where the river's crystal blue
In the valley tread by few

Up the brook stroke shimm'ring trout
In the land where elk are stout
The lounging heron's but a lout
And cranes and geese do layabout

Beyond the stream's a copse of ash
Dotted by walnut and lashed
By briar-weed's most fangsome gnash
Pock the earth both crest and gash

Past the hills a glist'ning lake
Weeps by willow and thusly spake
'By thy need not want ye take
God's children live for goodness sake'

--William B., Adult