The Empty Chair

A poem designed to help prod someone's conscience.

The Empty Chair

A simple smile, her wrinkled face

A love of sweets, such joy a piece of pie brings

Love of music, listen to her play

By the window every day, sitting in her chair.

Ever so slow, dignity stripped away

Sicker with each passing year, unnoticeable

 A fall, a broken hip, a hospital stay

 Still smiling, sitting in her chair.

Labored breath, sicker still

 So tired, dread floats in the air

 Decision made, familiar hospital run

 Soon she'll be home, happy in her chair.

Run for her nitro, already too late

 Terrible last breath, limp and gone

 That last anguished sound, a heart broken

 All I now see is her empty chair.

Father in the hospital, not again

A stroke, dignity ripped away

The man he was, crudely erased

Bound to a wheel chair, day after day.

Visit often, time not on his side

Some stay away, garbled words terrifying

Strong made weak, not the man they knew

Fear, a barricade at the front door.

If only they knew, that awful last breath

Push passed the regrets, and the fear

Unbearable weight, a painful sight

Another shadow and his empty wheel chair.

Author's Note

Its open verse with only a few simple rules. not meant to rhyme.

Reviews

[Cryingkate]

You scare me:-) you have only started writing a couple years ago? OMG us other writers are in deep ,deep wordoo ! :-)

[Solitary Traveler]

I don't think you need to worry. I'm only an amateur. But thank you for the kind review.

[Cryingkate]

We are all Amateurs otherwise we wouldn't be here :-) I highly doubt a pro pro would be giving out what they are selling. And i believe you are wrong on this.... We are in deep wordoo !
Wow what will be creating in 2 more years?

[Solitary Traveler]

it may not be poetry. I have already written one novel, working on the next two or three, but my focus is a little scattered. I am still editing the first one, but I get so bogged down in details that I can't focus long enough before going cross eyed.

[Cryingkate]

I hear ya. Say I just come across this tonight, I wonder if it would be something you might want to try.
http://ed.grammarly.com

[Sami Khalil]

Gripping and thought provoking along with conscience prodding...:)................

[ProCoacoa]

WOW, I absolutely love the way you write. The small sentences and punctuation give it pace. This poem is really strong. Again, I love it!

[Silent Serenity also kn..]

As seen through your eyes...something that will be remembered forever.....This piece grips the heart, even if I was a total stranger I would feel the pain as each stroke of words stung like a bee sting....I agree with Vidya, beautifully written

[Vidya Bacchus]

Old age is inevitable like the tides and change but it hurts so much to see those we love in pain.A beautifully written poem